Henderson, Walker lead Bobcats over Knicks, 106-95

[April 16, 2013]  CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Gerald Henderson scored 27 points, Kemba Walker had 23 points and a career-high 13 assists and the Charlotte Bobcats defeated a New York Knicks team playing without Carmelo Anthony and a few others 106-95 on Monday night.

The victory was the second straight for the Bobcats, who pulled into a tie with Orlando for the worst record in the league.

The Knicks played only seven players, resting Anthony and others after wrapping up the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Tyson Chandler, J.R. Smith, Raymond Felton, Amar'e Stoudemire, Marcus Camby and Kenyon Martin also did not play.

Walker and Henderson combined to shoot 20 of 31 from the field and go 7 of 7 from the foul line. The Bobcats shot 64 percent in the first three quarters to build a 17-point lead. They outrebounded the Knicks 37-25.

Center Bismack Biyombo added 10 points and 11 rebounds for his second straight double-double.

Chris Copeland led the Knicks with 32 points, shooting 4 of 8 from 3-point range.

The Knicks started a lineup that included Copeland, Iman Shumpert, James White, Steve Novak and Pablo Prigioni. The Bobcats jumped on that crew early, building 30-17 first quarter lead while outrebounding the Knicks 12-4.

Charlotte shot 63 percent from the field in the first half and took a 54-45 lead into the locker room.

Walker essentially had his way with Prigioni early in the game, nearly posting a double-double in the first half with 13 rebounds and eight assists, while Henderson scored 15 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the field.

With the game well in hand, Walker only played 31 minutes.

Jason Kidd and Rasheed Wallace were the only other Knicks who played. Wallace played his first game since Dec. 13, but only played four minutes and scored two points. Novak had five 3-pointers and scored 17 points, and James White added 15 points and Shumpert had 14 points in the loss.

Josh McRoberts, who'll be a free agent after the season, continues to play solid basketball for the Bobcats, scoring 10 points, while handing out eight assists and grabbing seven rebounds. The Bobcats have played much better as a team since acquiring McRoberts in a trade with the Magic for Hakim Warrick.

The Bobcats close the season Wednesday night at home against Cleveland while the Knicks host Atlanta.

NOTES: NBA deputy commissioner Adam Silver said if the Bobcats decided to change their name to the Hornets after the season the process would take at least 18 months. The Bobcats have not applied for a name change. ... Nelly was in attendance in the front row.

[Associated Press; By STEVE REED]

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