NBA scores 2017: Jimmy Butler scores 52, carries Bulls over Hornets

Jimmy Butler did it all for the Bulls when they needed him most

Jan 3, 2017, 1:00 PM UTC

Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

With Dwyane Wade resting his knee and Rajon Rondo out of the rotation, Jimmy Butler had the green light all night and he made the most of it. The last time Wade sat, Butler went for 40 points. Monday night? He went for 52, including 17 in the final four minutes. Butler virtually beat the Hornets on his own as the next highest scorer for the Bulls was Nikola Mirotic with 12 points.

Butler also hit 21-of-22 free throws, which is the highest total in the NBA this season. He oddly got his 50th point of the night on a free throw that was from a technical foul on Charlotte coach Steve Clifford. Butler wasn’t only scoring he points, he also finished with 12 rebounds, six assists, three steals, and a block to go along with this second-highest scoring night of his career. He previously scored 53 against the Sixers in January 2016.

Meanwhile, NBA players are also scoring a heck of a lot of points this year.

Giannis won the battle against Russ

The Bucks beat the Thunder at home and Giannis Antetokounmpo was incredible, per usual. He finished the night with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and one great road win for this young Milwaukee team.

And here is your nightly look at the “HOW DID HE DO THAT?!” play from Giannis.

Russ still had his Russ moments

Westbrook, while in Milwaukee, decided to bring out the Discount Double Check celebration. And yes, Westbrook is still averaging a triple double through 34 games.