Bulls, Butler hold off Durant-less Warriors

CHICAGO – Whether it’s a superstar going down or dropping back-to-back games, losses are starting to add up for the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler scored 22 points and the Chicago Bulls beat Golden State 94-87 on Thursday night in the Warriors’ first game since Kevin Durant injured his left leg.

Golden State was breathing a little easier after learning Durant probably will play again this season. He was hurt two nights earlier in a loss at Washington.

But the NBA-leading Warriors took another hit when their league-record regular-season streak without consecutive losses ended at 146 games.

“It was a hell of a run and we figured it’d probably end at some point this year,” coach Steve Kerr said. “Not that surprising that it’s on this trip. Without KD, we’re going through a tough time but we’re going to bounce back.”

Stephen Curry scored 23 points, and Klay Thompson had 13, but the star guards combined to hit just 3 of 22 3-pointers.

In other results, Phoenix thumped Charlotte, 120-103; while Portland rallied to beat Oklahoma, 114-109.

Back in Chicago, the Warriors dropped back-to-back regular-season games for the first time since April 5 and 7, 2015, at San Antonio and New Orleans.

“It was a great run,” Curry said. “For us to play that many games and not get in a situation like we’re in tonight, it’s pretty impressive. It’s remarkable. We’ll just have to try to start a new streak.”

Bobby Portis had 17 points and a season-high 13 rebounds for Chicago. The Bulls outscored Golden State 10-2 over the final three minutes to wipe out a one-point deficit and come away with their fifth win in six games.