The Chicago Bulls have beaten the New York Knicks 108-81 in their NBA basketball game in llinois.
The Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose is out with injury Photo: Photosport
Chicago's Jimmy Butler scored a team-high 23 points to help the home side to the convincing win -- their third in a row.
Butler has been a real star for the home side this season, helping the franchise transition out of their dependence on the injury-ravaged Derrick Rose, who missed a second straight game with hamstring problem
While Rose continues to try to get back into form and complete his first season free of major injury in five years, it could be Butler who carries the team through the rest of the season.
In Washington DC, the Washington Wizards upset the Orlando Magic 103-91.
Guard John Wall top scored with 24 points and had 13 assists, finishing the match with his eighth straight double-double.
The Wizards' forward Otto Porter scored 20 points and won 11 rebounds, while Kris Humphries scored all of his 11 points in the fourth quarter, including seven during a decisive 15-3 run.
Orlando Guard Victor Oladipo scored 20 points for the Magic, who had won six of their past eight games.
In the day's other matches, the Miami Heat beat the Dallas Mavericks 106-82, with centre Hassan Whiteside leading the way for the home side with 25 points and 19 rebounds.
In Toronto, the Raptors defeated the Charlotte Hornets 104-94.
Toronto Guard DeMar DeRozan scored 23 points as the Raptors overcame an eight-point deficit after three quarters to take command of the game in the fourth.
- Reuters, AAP
