Knicks rout Nets for third time, win 109-98 without injured Anthony

New York Knicks' Amare Stoudemire (1) blocks a shot by Brooklyn Nets' Mason Plumlee (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, April 15, 2014, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) (The Associated Press)

Brooklyn Nets' Mason Plumlee (1) dunks in front of New York Knicks' Tim Hardaway Jr. (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, April 15, 2014, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) (The Associated Press)

Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 16 points and the New York Knicks, playing without the injured Carmelo Anthony, beat the Brooklyn Nets 109-98 on Tuesday night to win the season series between city rivals.

The Knicks prevented the Nets from clinching the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs and won their third straight in their too-little, too-late strong finish. Amare Stoudemire and J.R. Smith each added 14 points.

Anthony had an MRI exam Tuesday that revealed a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He won't play Wednesday against Toronto, the final game of the first season in his 11-year career that won't end with a playoff berth — and potentially his last as a member of the Knicks. He has said he will become a free agent in July.