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The Charlotte Bobcats (2-4) defeated the New York Knicks (2-4), 118-110, on January 3 at Madison Square Garden to end a four-game losing streak.

The Bobcats came out in the first half with good energy as Boris Diaw and Gerald Henderson combined for 22 first-quarter points.

Charlotte kept the game under control in the second quarter and took a 62-52 lead into halftime winning the turnover battle four to nine, and leading in assists 18 to 10.

The Knicks went on an 8-0 run in the third quarter to come within four points, but the Bobcats would pull away every time the Knicks tried to make a run in the second half.



The Bobcats shot 55.3 percent (47 of 85) from the field in their best shooting performance of the season, while the Knicks shot 49.4 percent (42 of 85) from the field.

Charlotte also shot well from behind the arc hitting seven of 11 triples to New York’s 11 of 29. The Bobcats won the assist battle (27 to 19), and the turnover battle (13 to 17) in this contest.



The Bobcats' player of the game Diaw got back on track early. He scored 12 of his team-high 27 points (12 of 15 shooting) in the first quarter. He also chipped in six assists, three rebounds and a steal.

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Bobcats' top reserve Byron Mullens continued his hot streak setting a career high in points for the second game in a row with 16 points (six of eight shooting) and five rebounds.



The Knicks' player of the game Carmelo Anthony, led the Knicks with 32 points with 24 of those coming in the second half. He added six rebounds, five assists and three steals.

INSIDE THE LOCKER ROOM

“He and Stoudemire played together out in Phoenix and he wants to prove to him that he can get it done every night. He was outstanding, every time we needed something he came up with a big rebound and big points, passing the basketball he had a great game.” -Bobcats Head Coach Paul Silas (when asked about Diaw)

“I think we started the game with a different mindset and we were very disappointed by the game in Cleveland. We needed a reaction and that came tonight, we know now what kind of basketball we have to play. We know what is a good game and that’s what we have to do, we have to reproduce what we did tonight.” -Bobcats Center Boris Diaw

GAME NOTES

Henderson had an outstanding game scoring a season-high 24 points on 10 of 13 shooting.

D.J. Augustin had a strong all-around game with 14 points, 10 assists and six rebounds.

Bronx native Kemba Walker had seven point, five rebounds and two assists in his first game at Madison Square Garden since he led UCONN to the Big East title.

Corey Maggette left the game in the third quarter with a strained left hamstring.

Tyrus Thomas was listed as active but missed his sixth-straight game while recovering from a mild left ankle sprain.

Reggie Williams and Eduardo Najera were listed on the injury report as they are recovering from their respective knee surgeries.

The Bobcats return to New York to face the Knicks on Monday, January 9.

NEXT UP

The Bobcats return home on Friday to face Joe Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks at 7:00 at Time Warner Cable Arena. Catch all the action on SportSouth, listen to us on WFNZ and join the live chat on bobcats.com.

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained first-hand.