Josh Hart made his first appearance Thursday night with 7:34 left in the second quarter, but he quickly returned to the court after just 50 seconds. This turned out to be his only break in the Knicks’ loss to the Warriors, as he played a season-high 47:10 out of a regulation 48-minute game. Initially a key player off the bench, Hart has started the last 14 games due to injuries to Julius Randle and OG Anunoby.
During the game, Hart dove for a loose ball alongside Stephen Curry in the Knicks’ 110-99 loss to the Warriors. Over the past 14 games, he has been averaging 40.0 minutes per game, with 12.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per appearance.
Speaking after the game, Hart expressed his competitive spirit, stating, “I want to play as much as I can.” He also voiced frustration over the team’s recent 3-8 slide due to injuries, emphasizing that they are doing their best with the players available.
Coach Tom Thibodeau acknowledged Hart’s extended playing time, praising his performance on both ends of the court. Despite the demanding schedule, Thibodeau highlighted Hart’s contributions and defensive skills, emphasizing the team’s current need for him.
In the five games post-All-Star break, Hart has shown improvement in his shooting, connecting on 39.3% of his 3-point attempts. He attributed this improvement to practice, confidence, and making adjustments to his shooting technique. Hart also mentioned that he spent more time in the gym during the All-Star break, focusing on the fundamentals and building confidence in his shot.
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