Jimmy Butler scored a career-high 35 points in the Chicago Bulls' 103-97 win on Thursday over the New York Knicks.

"Thank god for Jimmy Butler," said Tom Thibodeau. "Big shots, plays defense, gets to line, makes plays, plays unselfishly and hard. Doesn’t take plays off."

Butler is averaging 20.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game in what has become a breakout season.

"He’s playing as well as anyone in the league," said Kirk Hinrich. "He’s been huge for us all year. Don’t know what we’d do without Jimmy."