The underachieving Knicks center got two minutes during the second quarter of a 96-85 loss. It was hardly a noteworthy showing. Curry is not moving well up and down the court, and he was called for three quick fouls.

All of the inactivity took a toll.

"He hasn't played in a year," said Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni, who felt Curry deserved to return away from the pressures of Madison Square Garden. "There's no way after two or three practices you can come in when everybody has played a whole season at the top of their game (and) be able to contribute. He's not superhuman."

Curry has been dealing with knee problems and personal issues.

His only appearance before Saturday was a three-minute run in Dallas on Jan. 8, and there was nothing spectacular about that game.

"I just want to be a part of what's going on," said Curry, who's pain-free and confident his knees are improved. "I've definitely become attached to these guys."

BOBCATS 96, KNICKS 85: Maybe the legs really are weary. It would explain how the Knicks shot just 37.6 percent from the field Saturday. They were playing the second game of a back-to-back set and seemed a little disoriented.

Or maybe it's the fact that they are left to play out the string.

The defense was acceptable, but shots weren't falling. Somehow, the Knicks managed to get in front 38-30 on a Nate Robinson 3-pointer, but Charlotte pieced together a 20-6 run to close the half and headed for the locker room in front 50-44.

New York simply wasn't making enough shots to sustain a rally.

Wilson Chandler finished with 18 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and two assists. Al Harrington scored 18 points as well.