Cassell’s Career Best Leads Bucks Past Bulls

Sam Cassell scored a career-high 40 points, including a three-point shot at the end of the first overtime, as the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Chicago Bulls, 126-122, in two overtimes Saturday night in Milwaukee.

Glenn Robinson added 31 points and Ray Allen had 27 for the Bucks, who ended a losing streak at two games.

Elton Brand scored a season-high 31 and Fred Hoiberg added a career-high 28 for the Bulls, who nearly pulled off their second upset in two days. They beat the New York Knicks, 81-72, Friday night.

The game was tied at 95 after regulation and at 110 after the first overtime, which ended with Cassell’s biggest basket of the night. He grabbed a long rebound, spun around, moved behind the three-point line and swished it at the buzzer.

Portland 122, Golden State 91--Steve Smith and Bonzi Wells each scored 18 points as the Trail Blazers clinched their 12th straight winning season with a rout of the Warriors in Portland.

Damon Stoudamire scored 12 of his 17 points in the third quarter, Detlef Schrempf had 11 rebounds and Shawn Kemp added 14 points in his third straight strong game for Portland.

Dallas 100, Houston 95--Michael Finley scored 27 points and Dirk Nowitzki had 26 points and 13 rebounds at Reunion Arena as the Mavericks beat the Rockets for only the third time in the last 19 meetings.

San Antonio 124, Atlanta 95--Tim Duncan scored 26 points and David Robinson had 16 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Spurs over the Hawks in San Antonio.

Phoenix 97, Denver 82--Clifford Robinson scored 20 points to lead five players in double figures as the Suns rallied to beat the Nuggets in Phoenix.