Knicks fall to Bobcats, and J. R. Smith sits again

Al Jefferson scored a season-high 35 points, Kemba Walker had 12 of his 25 in the fourth quarter and Charlotte snapped the New York Knicks' five-game winning streak with a 108-98 victory.

The Bobcats benefited from the return of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who had eight points and seven rebounds after sitting out the last 19 games with a broken left hand. He also brought some needed energy on the defensive end.

Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks (15-23) with 20 points and six rebounds. J.R. Smith was benched for the second time in four games.