December 23, 2024

Josh Hart ‘did everything’ down stretch to get Knicks back into series

Josh Hart #JoshHart

Game on the line — really, season on the line — and Josh Hart didn’t blink.

He didn’t hesitate.

He stepped up and hit the shot that provided the impetus to get the Knicks even in this Eastern Conference semifinal series as it shifts to Miami this weekend.

Hart’s 3-pointer with 1:38 left pushed a one-point lead to four, and then he made big plays at both ends of the floor the rest of the way, helping the Knicks pull out a gutty, 111-105 Game 2 win over the Heat at a sold-out and exuberant Garden on Tuesday night.

It was similar to his 3-pointer down the stretch in Game 1 of the Knicks’ opening-round series victory over the Cavaliers that gave the Knicks the lead.

Hart struggled offensively in the opener against the Heat, missing all four of his 3-point attempts.

But he didn’t lose his confidence, producing a fantastic all-around game of 14 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists, along with a team-best plus-16 rating in 33 minutes Tuesday.

KnicksKnicks guard Josh Hart points to his veins after hitting a shot during the third quarter in Game 2Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Hart was at his best with the game on the line.

He sank the clutch 3-pointer, scored 10 fourth-quarter points and added four big rebounds.

He also played tough defense, as the Knicks held the Heat to 12 points over the final 7:06 of the fourth quarter.

“In Josh’s case, he did everything,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “That’s who he is.”

KnicksJosh Hart dives for a loose ball during the Knicks’ Game 2 win over the Heat on Tuesday.Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Hart has been such a vital part of the Knicks since coming over at the trade deadline and reuniting with close friend and former Villanova teammate Jalen Brunson.

The Knicks are 21-10 since that move. He’s helped them get to the next level, a key contributor at both ends of the floor.

That was never more evident than the fourth quarter on Tuesday night.

Maybe, when this series is over, the Knicks will look back at his 3-pointer in Game 2 the same way they remember his 3-pointer in Game 1 of the Cavaliers series.

At the least, it got them back into this series.

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