Hart racked up four points (1-6 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 2-3 FT), six rebounds, one assist and three steals across 22 minutes during Saturday's 125-108 loss to the Pacers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Hart closed his 2024-25 campaign with a modest effort, scoring single digits for the fourth time in the past six games. After starting every game of the season, Hart moved to the bench for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals as Tom Thibodeau opted to run with a bigger lineup. While the move hadn't impacted Hart too much in terms of playing time, he was limited to just 22 minutes Saturday. Despite a heartbreaking end to the season, Hart proved himself to be a key piece for the Knicks, averaging 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.1 three-pointers across 77 regular-season games.
Hart supplied 12 points (3-5 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 11 rebounds and one assist over 36 minutes before fouling out of Tuesday's 130-121 loss to Indiana in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Hart came off the bench for the second consecutive game, with head coach Tom Thibodeau opting to go with both Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson in the starting lineup. Although Hart was able to record his fifth double-double of the playoffs, his supporting numbers left a lot to be desired. Game 5 will be in New York on Thursday, with the Knicks needing a victory to extend the series.
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Knicks' Josh Hart: Shifts to bench Sunday
Rotowire
Hart logged eight points (1-3 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 6-6 FT), 10 rebounds, four assists and one steal in 34 minutes during Sunday's 106-100 win over the Pacers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Hart moved to the bench as Tom Thibodeau went hunting for answers, a move that on the surface appeared to pay dividends. Despite the demotion, Hart still delivered a balanced performance, sniffing what would have been his first double-double of the series. This was the first time Hart has come off the bench this season, a sign that Thibodeau is willing to try anything to ensure the Knicks advance to the NBA Finals. Given the success of the move, it wouldn't be surprising to see Hart coming off the bench again Tuesday in Game 4.
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Knicks' Josh Hart: Coming off bench in Game 3
Rotowire
Hart will not start in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers on Sunday, Stefan Bondy of The New York Post reports.
Hart will come off the bench for the first time this season during Game 3 and will be replaced in the starting lineup by Mitchell Robinson. Hart saw just 28 minutes in Game 2 after playing 44 minutes in Game 1, as the team went to Robinson down the stretch. Although Hart still figures to see an ample role, it is highly unlikely he reaches his season average of 37.6 minutes per contest.
Hart might not be part of the starting lineup in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers on Sunday, Ian Begley of SportsNet New York reports.
Hart was limited to 28 minutes in the Game 2 loss on Friday, finishing with six points, six rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block. Perhaps most importantly, he's looked gassed throughout the series and has struggled to adjust to the Pacers' up-tempo style. If he ends up being moved to a bench role, Mitchell Robinson is expected to enter the starting five as his replacement.
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Knicks' Josh Hart: Sub-par effort in Game 2 loss
Rotowire
Hart finished with six points (2-3 FG, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal over 28 minutes during Friday's 114-109 loss to Indiana in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Hart played poorly in Friday's loss, which was arguably his worst game of the playoffs. Although his scoring cannot always be relied upon, his peripheral numbers typically make up for any offensive slip-ups. However, that was not the case, as he only logged 28 minutes. Hart will look to turn things around in Game 3, slated for Sunday in Indiana.
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