Derrick Rose stars as Bulls silence Thunder, Hornets beat Mavs
A strong finish from Derrick Rose inspired the Chicago Bulls to a 104-98 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA on Thursday.
Rose scored 10 straight points for the Bulls down the stretch to finish with a team-high 29 as his team pulled away to deal the Thunder their third consecutive defeat.
The Thunder levelled the game with five minutes remaining after the Bulls surrendered a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter.
But three-time All-Star Rose, who was one-of-nine from the floor to start the contest, starred late to condemn the Thunder to yet another loss, despite a game-high 33 points from Kevin Durant.
Jimmy Butler posted 26 points for the Bulls, while Thunder star Russell Westbrook had 20 points and 10 assists in a double-double display.
The Charlotte Hornets enjoyed a rare win in Dallas, trumping the Mavericks 108-94.
A season-high 31 points from Al Jefferson saw the Hornets win on the road against the Mavericks following 11 defeats.
Marvin Williams contributed 17 points and 12 rebounds.
The Mavs were led by Deron Williams and his 15 points.
Dwyane Wade helped the Miami Heat to a 96-84 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Wade tallied 25 points and nailed a buzzer-beating shot from inside his own half at the end of the second quarter.
He was supported by Chris Bosh, who added 16 points of his own and 12 rebounds.
Kevin Martin and Shabazz Muhammad scored 14 points apiece for the Timberwolves.
The Denver Nuggets fell to a 96-84 defeat at home to the Utah Jazz.
Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers thrashed the Memphis Grizzlies 115-96.
