Josh Hart
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Josh Hart of the New York Knicks
After Josh Hart had the best game of his New York Knicks career, coach Mike Brown made a decision about his role moving forward. Hart stepped up in the absence of Jalen Brunson, who was ruled out due to injury management of his right ankle.
With Brunson out, Hart scored a Knicks career-high of 33 points on a near-perfect shooting night at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers. He was 12-for-13 from the field and knocked down all five of his shots from beyond the arc.
Hart also went 4-for-5 from the free-throw line and added seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. The Knicks dominated from start to finish to earn a 136-110 win to improve to 45-25 for the season. Jose Alvarado started in place of Brunson and had a double-double of 16 points and 10 assists.
Mike Brown Sounds Off on Hart’s Role
Speaking to the reporters after the game, coach Mike Brown explained why Hart will continue to keep his role in his starting lineup. The versatile wing was in a slump before his Tuesday’s performance, so it wasn’t surprising for some fans to call for his benching.
“He’s been fantastic giving us that energy, giving us the connectivity we needed with that starting group and then doing the little things,” Brown said, via Ian Begley of SNY. “Offensive glass, pushing the pace, getting off in transition. He’s a switchable guy, he’s a physical guy and (he does) a lot of things that don’t necessarily show up in the stat sheet that … help with connectivity as well.”
Hart began the season off the bench, with Deuce McBride and Landry Shamet getting starts over him. The Knicks didn’t have the best start, with Hart entering the starting lineup on November 24. He remained as a starter despite missing eight games after Christmas.
Brown Compares Hart to 4-Time NBA Champion
In the same postgame media availability, Brown compared Hart’s impact to four-time NBA champion Andre Iguodala. The coach had a firsthand experience coaching Iguodala as the Golden State Warriors‘ associate coach from 2016 to 2022.
“I think the main thing…is him connecting the group,” Brown said. “I’m not saying he is Andre Iguodala or his game is like Andre Iguodala’s, but there are a lot of similarities where you watch him…he’s really good in a lot of different areas. But more importantly, he connects the group and having a guy like that, especially to start games, is huge.”
The Knicks are hoping for Brown to lead to the NBA championship for the first time since 1973. If they want to achieve their goal, Hart does have to play his role like what Iguodala did for the Warriors’ dynasty.
Hart Credits Brunson for Big Night
One thing about Hart is that he’s one of the funniest players for the Knicks. Asked by MSG Network’s Alan Hahn after the game about why he was able to score 33 points, Hart immediately credited Brunson for his performance.
“When I knew Jalen wasn’t playing, so he wasn’t going to hog the ball,” Hart said.
The Knicks have an extended rest, with their next game on Friday against the Brooklyn Nets. Brunson will likely return from his injury, which means Hart won’t need to score as much as he did on Tuesday.