In many ways, Josh Hart has been the heartbeat of the New York Knicks alongside his friend Jalen Brunson. His intensity is unmatched and has given him a solid NBA career as well.
That intensity, though, can get him into trouble.
During Saturday night's 120-111 loss to the Detroit Pistons, that's exactly what ended up happening. Hart received his second technical in the fourth quarter and was ejected from a game that the Knicks had cut into a one-possession contest.
It was something that after the loss, head coach Tom Thibodeau knew the team couldn't afford.
"Josh plays on emotion, which is great, but there's a fine line," Thibodeau said. "Can't have that in the fourth quarter."
Hart's antics at times make him a frustrating player to play against. He's got career numbers in efficiency to start the season, but can also be in a cold slump for weeks on end throughout his career.
In regards to his two technical fouls, though, the inconsistencies from the referees are all the veteran wanted to talk about.
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"I just didn't understand how I got a (second) tech in that moment in time and there wasn't one on the other side (called on Cade Cunningham)," Hart explained. "We're going on a run and another player (Cade) walks up to a ref and he cursed. I just didn't understand it.
"I didn't understand it. I got my (first) tech for basically saying someone (to) get in the game. I think I was 10 feet away from the ref (and) going into the huddle (when I said it). Didn't curse or speak disrespectfully to the ref."
Without players being mic'd up, it's hard to assess whether Hart has a case about both technical fouls. At the basic understanding of Saturday's loss, though, his ejection turned the tide of the contest.
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This story was originally published December 8, 2024, 6:43 PM.