The New York Knicks lost Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals to the Indiana Pacers, 114-109, on Friday inside Madison Square Garden.
The Pacers hold a 2-0 series lead over the Knicks due to poor performances from multiple New York starters. Shooting guard Josh Hart, usually known for playing over 40 minutes a game and doing everything on the court, only had eight points, seven assists and 13 rebounds in Game 1.
In Game 2, his struggles continued. He scored only six points and grabbed six rebounds. He also had the second-lowest plus-minus rating, a measure of a player’s impact on the score differential, with a -10.
Some fans have begun calling for Hart’s removal from the starting lineup as they think slotting Mitchell Robinson, who had a +6 plus-minus rating, into the starting five would be a better option. But Hart, a former Los Angeles Laker, had a different response to this.
“I’ve been the 15th man, I’ve been the third man, I’ve been the sixth man, I’ve been whatever,” the 30-year-old guard told reporters in an interview on Sunday. “I truly feel like I’m a starter in the league. I think I played amazing this year.”
However, Hart didn’t seem upset about being potentially benched and showed composure.
“So, if it happens, cool,” Hart added. “I can’t sit here and preach about sacrifice and getting out of our own personal agendas and a decision like that is made and than be mad at it.”
New York Knicks guard Josh Hart.
New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) and head coach Tom Thibodeau
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
If Hart wants to remain as the Knicks starting shooting guard, he will have to live up to his expectations in Game 3 on Sunday against the Pacers inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The game begins at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.