Derrick Rose scored a three-pointer on the buzzer, giving the Chicago Bulls a 99-96 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers and a 2-1 series lead in their Eastern Conference semi-final.
Rose tallied 30 points with seven assists and seven rebounds while producing more than his share of highlights for the Bulls.
"When I released the ball I felt like it was a good shot," said Rose of the game winner. "I feel very confident in my game and being able to make those shots. It comes with the territory of being a leader."
It was Rose's first three-pointer of the game and his first-career playoff buzzer beater. The basket kicked off a wild celebration on the court as Rose was mobbed by his teammates.
"That was his greatness to get the shot off," said Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau.
Jimmy Butler scored 20 points for the Bulls as Rose and Butler combined for 23 of the 25 Chicago points in the final quarter.
James struggled from the floor, finishing eight-for-25 overall and one-of-seven from three-point range.
Despite his difficulties, James still carried the Cavs offensively, finishing with 27 points, 14 assists and eight rebounds in the loss. He didn't get much help from his teammates as no other Cleveland player scored more than 14 points.
"My guys played their hearts out," said Cavs coach David Blatt. "It was a hard-played game, on the part of both teams. Physical but not dirty."
In Los Angeles in the night's other game, Austin Rivers came off the bench to finish with 25 points and six rebounds as the Los Angeles Clippers also took a 2-1 series lead with a 124-99 rout of the Houston Rockets.
Chris Paul returned to the Clippers' lineup but played reduced minutes because of his hamstring injury. He finished with 12 points and seven assists in just over 23 minutes of action.
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