Carmelo Anthony injury: Knicks foward leaves game with lacerated finger

New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony left Wednesday night’s game against the Charlotte Bobcats after diving into the Knicks' bench chasing after a loose ball. Anthony went to the locker room with a laceration on his left middle finger, and did not return.

Anthony dove into the stands with New York trailing Charlotte, 96-98, with 2:10 remaining in the game. Jason Kidd entered the game to replace the small forward. The Knicks won the game, 100-98.

Anthony and the Knicks are both off to a fast start to the season. New York came into Wednesday’s game with a 12-4 record, which has them tied with the Miami Heat for first place in the Eastern Conference. They held a one-game lead over the Brooklyn Nets heading into their matchup against Charlotte.

Anthony has played a major role in the Knicks success this season. The small forward has averaged 26.6 points per game this season, which leads the team. Anthony had 23 points on Wednesday before leaving the contest.

UPDATE: Anthony needed six stitches.