Kanter helps lead Knicks after Porzingis injury

NEW YORK — Enes Kanter had 22 points and 14 rebounds, and the New York Knicks beat the Miami Heat 115-86 on Wednesday night despite losing Kristaps Porzingis to a sprained right ankle after 21⁄2 minutes.

Back after missing three games with back spasms, Kanter had his way against a Heat team missing starting center Hassan Whiteside because of left knee soreness, going 7 of 9 from the field.

The Knicks lost all three games Kanter missed, their longest skid since starting 0-3, but shot 60 percent and led by as much as 30 points with their center back.

Porzingis had started quickly, making his first two shots before he was hurt chasing the ball near the baseline by the Miami bench.

Justise Winslow stepped on his foot, causing Porzingis’

ankle to turn awkwardly, and he was helped to the locker room during a timeout.

The Knicks said X-rays were negative and that their leading scorer was available to return, but they later ruled out a return in the third quarter. There was no need by then the way they were playing.

Courtney Lee added 17 points for the Knicks. NETS 109, MAVERICKS 104: DeMarre Carroll scored 15 of his 22 points in the third quarter to help Brooklyn beat Dallas.

Trevor Booker had 16 points and 10 rebounds, Spencer Dinwidde added 19 points, and Caris Levert had 13.

Harrison Barnes had 17 points for Dallas, Maxi Kleber added a career-high 16, and Dwight Powell had 14.

Carroll put the Nets ahead for good at 78-76 on a 3-pointer with 2:03 remaining in the third quarter.