Lakers too good for Suns, Knicks overcome Hawks and Butler stars for Bulls

Arron Afflalo led the New York Knicks to a surprise 111-97 win over the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA on Sunday.

Afflalo had a game-high 38 points as the Knicks claimed victory at Madison Square Garden.

Robin Lopez’s double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds helped their cause, while Carmelo Anthony finished with 11 points as his team improved to 16-19.

Paul Millsap top-scored for the Hawks with 19 points.

Jimmy Butler broke Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls record for most points in a half to lead his team past the Toronto Raptors 115-113.

Butler had 40 points in the second half and finished with 42 to lead the Bulls to their win at Air Canada Centre.

It broke the record Jordan held with his 39 points in a half against the Milwaukee Bucks in 1989.

Pau Gasol finished with a double-double of 19 points and 13 rebounds, while DeMar DeRozan top-scored for the Raptors with 24.

Chris Bosh’s 23 points helped the Miami Heat to a 97-75 victory over the Washington Wizards.

CJ McCollum (25 points) guided the Portland Trail Blazers past the Denver Nuggets 112-106 and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Phoenix Suns 97-77.