Kemba Walker scores 24 points and Bobcats beat Cavs 105-98 to avoid finishing in NBA cellar

4/17/2013

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Kemba Walker had 24 points and seven assists, and the Charlotte Bobcats defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 105-98 today to avoid finishing in the NBA cellar for a second consecutive season.

The Bobcats (21-61) finished one game ahead of the Orlando Magic, who lost their season finale to the Miami Heat.

Josh McRoberts added 20 points and eight rebounds as the Bobcats closed the season with three straight wins, matching a season high.

Gerald Henderson added 15 points.

Kyrie Irving had 24 points and 10 assists for the Cavaliers, who finished with the third-worst record in the league (24-58) after losing 16 of their last 18 games, including their last six.

With the win the Bobcats became the first team in NBA history to triple their win total from the previous season.

Charlotte finished last year's lockout-shortened season 7-59 and its .106 winning percentage was the worst ever.