There is a reason why New York Knicks fans have taken to the Villanova portion of the team, and while captain Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges have provided numerous moments of grit and will, these characteristics may be best represented by Josh Hart, who has formed an identity as a gutsy individual who’s willing to do whatever it takes to win a loose ball, possession, or game.
Following New York’s 115-111 loss to Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, it is evident that Hart’s determination, tenacity, and unselfishness will be key in Game 4. The Spurs did not outrebound the Knicks and barely outshot them from the field, but they were able to generate more free throws, steals, and assists overall.
After the team's first loss of the series, Hart chose to keep his concentration focused on the task at hand.
“Every loss kinda hurts the same – that's a good team, we knew they weren't going to lay down and let us win four straight,” Hart told SNY.
Josh Hart boasts the physicality that the Knicks will need in Game 4
New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) shoots against San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) in the third quarter during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
© Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Hart has consistently shown that he is a player who will rise to the occasion, even if it is at the expense of his own stat line. In Game 3, the 31-year-old posted 16 points, nine rebounds, and five assists over 35 minutes. It was a contest where the Knicks needed their spark plug to do more than originally anticipated; he responded with a strong 6-for-10 night from the field.
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By contrast, the former first-round pick did not score in the group’s 105-104 Game 2 victory but was able to add six rebounds, four assists, and one steal. In New York’s 105-95 Game 1 win, the Silver Spring native totaled only three points, but swiped down 15 rebounds and dished six assists.
No matter what has been needed, Hart has risen to the occasion his is not surprising for a veteran who has largely embodied how the team’s core has handled business on the court.
“That’s just who he is. He’s always been that way. I can’t explain it,” Brunson told Zach Braziller of the New York Post. “He just has a knack for doing things like that, and in crucial times as well. It’s a credit to who he is as a player.”
It was clear that San Antonio was ready to play a fiery brand of basketball once Game 3 began. As fans and pundits turn their attention to Game 4, Hart’s signature style will be pivotal. A single steal, rebound, or decision could shift momentum, and New York will need its emotional catalyst to be at his best if they want to leave Madison Square Garden with a commanding 3-1 series lead.
“0-0. No matter if we won or lost, today we would've come in, watched film, got better,” Hart said. Do this damn circus of a media, get shots up, go to sleep. Nothing changes.”
There is a reason why New York Knicks fans have taken to the Villanova portion of the team, and while captain Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges have provided numerous moments of grit and will, these characteristics may be best represented by Josh Hart, who has formed an identity as a gutsy individual who’s willing to do whatever it takes to win a loose ball, possession, or game.