(AP/Frank Franklin II)

Amar'e Stoudemire and Iman Shumpert returned to the Knicks' lineup on Wednesday, and they gave the offense a boost. But they didn't help the defense in 118-110 loss to Charlotte. Stoudemire, who missed two games with a sprained ankle, had 25 points and 12 rebounds. Shumpert, expected to be out much longer after hurting his knee on Christmas, had 18 points off the bench. Carmelo Anthony had 32, but most of those were in garbage time. Charlotte shot 55.3 percent from the floor and made seven of 11 3-pointers.

The Nets hung around in Boston in what was an ugly game, but a third-quarter implosion helped the Celtics to an 89-70 win. MarShon Brooks finally got a start, and he scored 17 points. With Brook Lopez already out, the Nets also played without Deron Williams (sore ankle) and Kris Humphries (shoulder).

Things looked good for the Devils when David Clarkson scored the opening goal in Newark with 4:24 gone by. But by the time 13:17 had elapsed, the Devils were down a goal. By the time all was said and done, the Devils had lost to the Bruins, 6-1. Martin Brodeur stayed in the game to take all the abuse from the defending Stanley Cup champions.