HORNETS 95, TIMBERWOLVES 89: Chris Kaman scored 20 points and Jarrett Jack added 17 as visiting New Orleans snapped a four-game slide and handed Minnesota the loss in its first game without rookie guard Ricky Rubio.

The Timberwolves announced Saturday that Rubio would be out for the remainder of season with a torn ACL, which he suffered a day earlier in the closing seconds of a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Kevin Love attempted to pick up the slack with his flashy point guard missing, posting 31 points and 16 rebounds in his return after being scratched Friday because of back spasms.

The Hornets went ahead for good with 11 unanswered points midway through the fourth after Minnesota had evened it 74-74 on Love’s free throws.

Greivis Vasquez started the spurt with a jumper, Al-Farouq Aminu had two straight buckets and Vasquez assisted on Gustavo Ayon’s shot before nailing a 3-pointer for the 85-74 lead.

Love hit a 3-pointer and Luke Ridnour finished at the rim as Minnesota pulled within 87-85 with 18 seconds to play. But Jack made four free throws and Marco Belinelli hit a pair as the Hornets held on.

Ridnour slid over to the point guard spot and had 14 points and 10 assists. Nikola Pekovic added 21 points and 11 rebounds.

GAME NOTEBOOK: "It's a big emotional shock," said Love of losing Rubio. "He makes winning plays, he's a winner. We love having him around. On and off the court. We hope for a speedy recovery so he can help this team next year. It's a big loss for us." … The Hornets were again missing big men Emeka Okafor, Carl Landry and Jason Smith because of injuries. … The road team has won the past four meetings.