Sports

Nate’s a pinch hit for Bulls

Nate Robinson scored 18 points and the Bulls beat snapped the Timberwolves’ three-game winning streak with a 87-80 win last night in Minneapolis.

Robinson, a former Knicks fan favorite, played 31 minutes after starting point guard Kirk Hinrich left with a hip strain.

Joakim Noah added 17 points and seven rebounds for the Bulls (4-2).

Rockets 96, Pistons 82

In Houston, James Harden scored 20 points, Jeremy Lin had seven points and eights assists and the Rockets (3-3) beat the winless Pistons in their first game without coach Kevin McHale. The team announced earlier McHale was taking an immediate leave of absence to deal with a family matter.

Bobcats 101, Mavs 97

In Charlotte, N.C., rookie Michael Kidd-Gilchrist had a career-high 25 points to help the Bobcats (2-3) snap a 16-game losing streak against the Mavericks with an overtime win.

Celtics 96, Bucks 92

In Milwaukee, Paul Pierce scored 25 points as the Celtics (3-3) rallied for a win. Rajon Rondo had 10 points and 10 assists for the Celtics, giving him 30 straight games with 10 or more assists, the third-longest streak in NBA history.

Spurs 112, Trail Blazers 109

In Portland, Ore., Manu Ginobili hit two big free throws in the final seconds to propel the Spurs (6-1).

Nuggets 107, Warriors 101

In Oakland, Calif., former Knick Danilo Gallinari scored five of his 21 points in the final 36 seconds and Nuggets (4-3) closed with an 11-0 run to beat the Warriors in double overtime.

Sixers 93, Raptors 83

In Toronto, Jrue Holiday scored 16 points to lead the 76ers (4-2).