March 18, 2024

NBA regional capsules

BULLS 104, BUCKS 88

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Nate Robinson scored 16 of his 24 points in the second quarter, leading Chicago past Milwaukee.

Jimmy Butler, a second-year pro from Marquette, had 18 points and five rebounds in a return to the arena where he played college basketball.

Samuel Dalembert had 14 points and a season-high 13 rebounds for the Bucks. Ersan Ilyasova added 18 points and seven rebounds.

Chicago broke open the game midway through the second quarter, using a 20-4 run to take a 49-30 lead. The run included a long 3-point shot by Robinson, who capped the rally with a driving layup and made the ensuing free throw.

Robinson, who also had a breakaway dunk during the run, shot 7 for 9 from the floor during the quarter to help Chicago take a 55-37 lead at the half.

CLIPPERS 96, TIMBERWOLVES 90

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Blake Griffin had 26 points and 13 rebounds and DeAndre Jordan added 16 points and 12 boards to lift Los Angeles.

Caron Butler had 19 points, and Jamal Crawford scored 17 for the Clippers.

Nikola Pekovic had 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who had coach Rick Adelman on the sideline for the first time since Jan. 5. Adelman missed the previous 11 games while his wife sought treatment for seizures.

Tempers flared in the first half when Matt Barnes was ejected and Wolves center Greg Stiemsma floored Grant Hill. But the Clippers got physical and handed the Wolves their fifth straight loss.