Melo-less Knicks get win streak snapped with loss to Hornets

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Brian Roberts scored 17 points, and the Charlotte Hornets beat the New York Knicks 76-71 Saturday night for their ninth victory in the last 11 games.

Roberts, who started in place of the injured Kemba Walker, was 5 of 9 from the field and made all six free throws as the Hornets snapped the Knicks' three-game win streak.

The Knicks played without Carmelo Anthony, who was held out to rest his knee on the second night of a back-to-back.

Tim Hardaway Jr. led the Knicks with 25 points and Lance Thomas had 16 points and eight rebounds.

Walker missed his third game in the last five after his knee flared up.

The injury news got worse for the Hornets when big men Marvin Williams (concussion) and Bismack Biyombo (knee bruise) left the game early with injuries and did not return.