Jimmy Butler buzzer beater bags 76ers’ NBA win

Ben Simmons rediscovered his groove but it was newcomer Jimmy Butler who starred for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Philadelphia 76ers' Jimmy Butler shoots the game-winning basket against Charlotte

Ben Simmons rediscovered his groove but it was superstar newcomer Jimmy Butler who made a buzzer-beating three-pointer in overtime to give Philadelphia 76ers a 122-119 victory over Charlotte Hornets.

Australian point guard Simmons had struggled to make an impact in the first two games following Butler’s arrival but he came to life in Charlotte yesterday, only missing a triple-double by one assist as he logged 23 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists.

The 76ers had to overcome a career-high 60-point game from Hornets ace Kemba Walker — the first haul of 60 or more in the NBA since James Harden dropped 60 on Orlando last January.

Centre Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 33 points and 11 rebounds while JJ Redick scored 23 and Butler added 15 for the visitors, who improved to 2-1 with Butler in the line-up.

The scores were tied with 34.7 seconds left in overtime when Willy Hernangomez stole a Simmons pass. But Butler blocked a Walker jumper, setting up his own offensive heroics to clinch the win for the 76ers who sit fifth in the eastern conference.

In Boston, Joe Ingles and his Utah Jazz beat the Celtics for the second time in eight days, winning 98-86 to sweep their season series.

Donovan Mitchell had 28 points and six assists for the Jazz, Ricky Rubio added 20 while Ingles had seven points, three rebounds and six assists and fellow Australian Dante Exum chimed in with 10 points and seven rebounds.

In Dallas, the Mavericks ended a 10-game losing streak in clashes with defending champions Golden State in dramatic fashion when they snatched a 112-109 victory.

Luca Doncic scored 24 points including the go-ahead hook shot with 70 seconds left as the Mavericks won their fourth straight.

For Golden State, Kevin Durant led all scorers with 32 points on 11-of-22 shooting but faltered in the fourth quarter.He was 1-of-7 in the final 12 minutes as the Warriors lost for the third time in four games and also dropped consecutive games for the 11th time under coach Steve Kerr.

A big second quarter helped hosts Orlando Magic snap Los Angeles Lakers’ four-game winning streak with a 130-117 victory.

Lakers star LeBron James did not play in the fourth quarter and finished the game with 22 points, seven assists and four rebounds.

Anthony Davis had his second consecutive 40-point game as hosts New Orleans Pelicans held on for a 125-115 win over Denver Nuggets.

AAP