NBA roundup: Booker scores big in Suns win, Celtics cool the Heat

Phoenix, Arizona - Devin Booker continued his hot NBA scoring run with a season-high 51 points in only 31 minutes as the Phoenix Suns won 132-113 over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker reacts against the Chicago Bulls at Footprint Center.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker reacts against the Chicago Bulls at Footprint Center.  © REUTERS

Booker, who scored 44 points against the Sacramento Kings on Monday, added 26 of his 51 points in the third quarter, including making five-of-five from three-point range.

It was the fourth 25-point quarter in Booker's career, tied with Kobe Bryant for second most in the past 25 years.

Booker shot at 80% from the field, making six-of-seven from three-point range, while he also added four rebounds and six assists before sitting out most of the final quarter.

NBA star Blake Griffin confirms basketball future with big announcement
NBA NBA star Blake Griffin confirms basketball future with big announcement

It marked Booker's fourth career 50-point game, which is the most in franchise history.

Suns center Deandre Ayton contributed 30 points with 14 rebounds and two blocks as Phoenix improved to 15-6.

The Bulls fall to 9-12, with DeMar DeRozan top scoring with 29 points with seven rebounds.

Around the league

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum reacts after his three point basket against the Miami Heat in the first quarter at TD Garden.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum reacts after his three point basket against the Miami Heat in the first quarter at TD Garden.  © REUTERS

Jayson Tatum scored a season-high 49 points as the Boston Celtics maintained their perfect home record in November with a 134-121 victory over the Miami Heat.

The Celtics small forward scored 28 of his points in the first half, which is the most in any half this season, while he also had 11 rebounds, three assists, and two assists. Jaylen Brown added 26 points with seven rebounds in a game attended by Prince William and Kate Middleton, who sat courtside.

Tatum brought up his fifth 45-point game, which is second behind Larry Bird (19) in Celtics history, having moved ahead of Paul Pierce (four).

NBA star Jontay Porter hit with lifetime ban after probe uncovers "cardinal sin"
NBA NBA star Jontay Porter hit with lifetime ban after probe uncovers "cardinal sin"

The Brooklyn Nets claimed their fifth straight home win as Kevin Durant scored 39 points in a 113-107 victory over the Washington Wizards.

Durant managed a game-high 39 points on 13-of-20 shooting with five rebounds and five assists, while Kyrie Irving added 15 of his 27 points in the final quarter.

The win improved the Nets to 12-11, moving above .500 for the first time this season on the back of three straight wins.

Cover photo: Collage: REUTERS

More on NBA: