The Chicago Bulls took a 2-0 lead in their first-round NBA playoff series by overcoming the Milwaukee Bucks 92-81 in a feisty affair at United Center on Monday.

While Derrick Rose shone in the series opener, last night it was Jimmy Butler who led the way for the Bulls.

Former MVP Rose failed to hit a shot in what was a low-scoring first half from both sides, but he improved after the break as Butler saw Chicago home.

After setting a new playoff career-high in game one, Butler eclipsed his 25 points on Saturday with 31 on Monday, including 14 in the fourth quarter to stave off any hopes Milwaukee had of levelling the series.

The match turned sour in the closing stages as Milwaukee's Zaza Pachulia and Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic scuffled on the floor while challenging for a loose ball.

Pachulia was ejected for his second technical foul, while Mirotic damaged his thigh in the skirmish and could now be a doubt for game three in Milwaukee on Thursday.