Josh Hart gives Knicks no offense but delivers plenty of effort
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 28: Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the New York Knicks shoots past Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter of game four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 28, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) Credit: Getty Images/Tim Nwachukwu
PHILADELPHIA — After providing an offensive spark in the first three games of this series, Josh Hart endured a nightmarish day of shooting on Sunday, missing all seven of his field-goal attempts and four of his eight free throws. But when the Knicks escaped Wells Fargo Center with a hard-fought 97-92 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, it was Hart whom most of the Knicks singled out as a huge factor in the win.
“I think it has been the story of this season,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “And I think when you look back to everything that transpired with guys going out and new guys coming in and whoever gets in there, just get the job done. Know what your job is. Do your job. Execute.”
It was a typical Hart performance, providing a little bit of everything (except shooting accuracy this particular time). He grabbed 17 rebounds, blocked three shots and provided a huge energy boost even as he played most of the fourth quarter with five fouls.
“I mean, I had to do something,” Hart said. “I had five turnovers, didn’t make a shot, didn’t hit any free throws, missed two free throws late that were big. So offensively it just wasn’t there today.
“But when you have that, you have to try to figure out ways to still make an impact in the game. And for me, that was rebounding and pushing. Offensive rebound, trying to get an extra possession. Looked athletic on a couple of blocks. So that was nice. But yeah, when you’re not making shots, you got to find other ways to impact the game.”
“No matter what is going on with him shooting the ball- wise, his effort is always going to be there,” Jalen Brunson said. “That’s the one thing we all expect and we all know we’re going to see every single night. So it’s a credit to him for affecting the game when offense isn’t really working. We always have his back no matter what.”
Steve Popper covers the Knicks for Newsday. He has spent nearly three decades covering the Knicks and the NBA, along with just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.
