Desperation invokes change. For the Charlotte Bobcats on Saturday night, that meant ending power forward Boris Diaw's streak of 235 consecutive starts.

It also meant an end to the Bobcats' six-game losing streak. With rookie guard Kemba Walker replacing Diaw as a starter, the Bobcats were smaller, quicker and dramatically more energetic in a 112-100 victory over the Golden State Warriors.

It was apparent something had to change regarding Diaw. He'd scored four or fewer points in four of the Bobcats' past five games. Coach Paul Silas was openly frustrated, wanting a faster tempo and a more attacking style.

Saturday, with a small but aggressive backcourt of 6-foot D.J. Augustin and 6-foot-1 Walker, the Bobcats shot 50 percent, attacking the rim for 48 points in the lane. Gerald Henderson, scored a season-high 26 points. Walker, making his first NBA start, scored a career-high 23 and center Byron Mullens added 20.

"Me and D.J. just pushed the ball," said Walker, who made eight of 15 shots. "We shared the ball very well and found the open man."

Henderson said he'd been watching video of himself, and decided he needed to stop depending so much on his jump shot.

"I really looked hard at getting to the basket and getting fouled," Henderson said. "My jump shot is improved, but I still need to attack."

The Bobcats (3-10) attacked as aggressively as they have all season. It was advantageous to shift to this lineup against the Warriors (3-8), who also start a smallish backcourt. Charlottean Stephen Curry again sat out with a sprained ankle, so the Warriors started guards Monta Ellis and Charles Jenkins, both 6-3.

Silas announced the lineup change to the players at morning shootaround. Henderson moved to small forward and Tyrus Thomas to power forward. Diaw came off the bench, finishing with nine points, three assists and four rebounds in 23 minutes.

"If we'd stayed with the same lineup, we'd have the same attitude - lackadaisical. No energy level," Silas said.

"I was really excited about us tonight. I felt we'd come with it, the intensity we had," Silas said. "When I told them we were making a change this morning, it really lit a fire under them."

Diaw was stoic in response to the demotion.

"I'm not trying to get back in the starting role. I'm just trying to win the game," Diaw said. "You know, whatever it takes to win."