Bobcats 108, Knicks 98: Al Jefferson exploded for a season-best 35 points as Charlotte ended visiting New York's five-game winning streak.

Jefferson was a force on the offensive end, hitting 14-of-20 shots as the Bobcats won for just the second time in their past 10 games. Kemba Walker poured in 25 points while Gerald Henderson added 17 in the win.

Carmelo Anthony's 20 points paced the Knicks, who trail 2-1 in the season series. Amar'e Stoudemire had 17 points while Raymond Felton added 13.

Jefferson's 19 points and a 17-3 run to end the half gave the Bobcats a 55-46 edge at the break. The lead grew to double digits on a Walker jumper early in the third quarter, but New York whittled down the deficit on a late run fueled by seven points from Anthony to go into the fourth trailing 78-73.

Walker delighted the home crowd with a long 3-pointer from the right wing to extend the advantage to nine, and he hit another 3 on Charlotte's next possession with 8:36 left. He then put the finishing touches on the victory with a 19-footer that quelled a New York rally with just under five minutes remaining.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Bobcats SG Michael Kidd-Gilchrist finished with eight points and seven rebounds in his first action since missing five weeks with a broken hand. ... After returning from a benching to appear in back-to-back games, New York G J.R. Smith did not play against Charlotte. No reason was given for his absence. ... Knicks C Tyson Chandler had five points and four rebounds in 16 minutes in his return from a four-game absence due to bronchitis.