NBA Round Up: Butler boosts Bulls´ hopes, Clippers win the battle of LA

Jimmy Butler inspired the Chicago Bulls to an important NBA win, while Blake Griffin starred for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Butler’s Bulls made it three straight wins and boosted their playoff hopes with a 106-104 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

Griffin and Chris Paul led the Clippers, who eased past the Los Angeles Lakers 115-104 on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers extended their winning streak to close in on a playoff spot.

BRILLIANT BUTLER LEADS BULLS

The Bulls’ playoff push continued with a win over the Hawks.

Butler had 33 points, eight assists and five rebounds, while Rajon Rondo posted a double-double of 25 points and 11 rebounds.

The Bulls are 37-39 and seventh in the Eastern Conference, with their record the same as the Miami Heat’s and Indiana Pacers’.

CLIPPERS CRUISE

The Clippers were untroubled by the Lakers.

Griffin contributed 36 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Paul had 29 points and 12 assists.

BLAZERS BLITZ SUNS

The Trail Blazers strengthened their grip on eighth in the Western Conference with a 130-117 win over the Phoenix Suns.

Damian Lillard (31 points) and C.J. McCollum (29) were impressive as Portland won a sixth straight game.

GORDON FLIES

I believe I can fly! pic.twitter.com/xhXTjlkGGI

— NBA (@NBA) April 1, 2017

Jimmy Butler is a monster. 33 points, 8 assists, five boards and the clutch FTs to win the game. pic.twitter.com/GYhqxTrQSa

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) April 2, 2017

WINS FOR NETS, KINGS

The Brooklyn Nets rallied past the Orlando Magic 121-111 and the Sacramento Kings overcame the Minnesota Timberwolves 123-117.

WARRIORS LOOK FOR 11TH STRAIGHT WIN

The Golden State Warriors (62-14) are out to build on a 10-match winning run when they host the Washington Wizards (46-30) at Oracle Arena on Sunday.