Butler breaks Jordan’s record; Curry injured again

Jimmy Butler broke the Chicago Bulls’ – Jordan’s – record for most points in a half with 40 points in the second half to inspire his team to a 115-113 win against Toronto Raptors on Sunday.

Butler broke Michael Jordan’s franchise record of 39 set against the Milwaukee Bucks in 1989.

After scoring just two points in the first half, Butler turned on the style in the second as Chicago came from 15 points down to defeat their conference rivals.

Butler, who needed stitches at half-time after being elbowed by DeMarre Carroll during the second quarter, hit only two three-pointers on his way to breaking Jordan’s record.

“Do not compare me to him – I don’t want to be compared to him, I just want to be me,” said Butler.

“I’m just happy we won, to tell the truth. I don’t want to be compared to Jordan because you see what he’s done for this game.

“I had no idea about the record until somebody told me after the game. I guess somebody will beat it one of these days coming soon.”

The victory, Chicago’s fourth in a row, moved them to 20-12 while Toronto slipped to 21-14.

Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry left Saturday night’s game against Denver Nuggets before half-time after re-injuring his left shin.

Curry confirmed after the game he suffered the injury as a result of kick from Nuggets player Jameer Nelson.

“I was hit right in the same spot, playing defense,” said Curry. It’s funny – I guess whenever you hurt something, you try to play through a little bit of discomfort and try to get out there, something happens. Just got to deal with it.”

The injury left Warriors with just six available players, but it didn’t stop them moving to 31-2 for the season as they sealed a 111-108 overtime victory.

Curry praised his teammates’ character: “Chips stacked against them, short bench, guys playing 40-plus minutes, found a way to scrap and claw, get stops down the stretch, fight through the fatigue factor, make a couple plays on the offensive plays as well – gutsy win,” he said.

Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried spent Saturday night in hospital after taking an elbow to the back of the neck during the game. He was later discharged and played in Sunday’s home game against Portland Trail Blazers. Faried finished with 13 points and nine rebounds as Nuggets fell 112-106.

It was a good weekend for the teams chasing the Warriors at the top of the Western Conference, with San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder and L.A. Clippers all recording victories.

Cleveland Cavaliers still lead the Eastern Conference after a comfortable win against Orlando Magic. Chicago are second ahead of Miami Heat, while Toronto complete the top four.