Out of the nine Playoff games the Knicks have played in 2024, Josh Hart has played every single minute in four of these contests. He's become the first player since Jimmy Butler in 2013 to achieve this feat, with both players being coached by Tom Thibodeau. Hart discussed how his faith gives him the strength to pull off such herculean shifts.
“Rest and recovery. My Lord works in mysterious ways... Today, I felt like I didn’t have it at all. The whole game I was reciting Isaiah 41:29. 'The weak, he renews strength.' That was the biggest thing. He allows you to walk and not faint. I felt like I didn't have it today, but that's how He works in mysterious ways.”
Hart has been grinding for the Knicks this season, leading the NBA in minutes played in the playoffs at 46.8 minutes. He has played 195:29 of the last 197:00 minutes for the Knicks, an incredible feat considering he's competing at playoff-level intensity.
Hart has always been known as an elite hustle player who could fit into any rotation because of the intensity with which he plays, but he's gone above and beyond to carry the Knicks as they suffer rotational instability due to injuries.
Hart could be considered the biggest playoff riser this season. He was averaging 9.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in the regular season but is averaging 18.0 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists through nine playoff games so far.
OG Anunoby picking up an injury during the game increased the load on Hart, who is already filling in for Julius Randle at power forward, and also had to replicate Anunoby's aggressive defense to keep the Pacers at bay in Game 2.
Hart put up 19 points and 15 rebounds in Game 2 as the Knicks took a 2-0 lead over the Pacers.
Josh Hart Needs To Be Careful
Josh Hart is a 27-year-old in the prime of his career. In the modern era of load management, it's easy to get concerned about the long-term health of Hart given the miles on his body already. He's feeling worn down as the playoffs progress, making this seem like an unsustainable way to compete for a title in a season where they have faced multiple injuries.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau likes to squeeze as much as possible from his players, with his tenure with the Chicago Bulls proving that. Thibs the coach who played Jimmy Butler endlessly in Chicago, something many contribute as a reason for the wear-and-tear injuries Butler has become prone to picking up.
Even more egregious than Butler was what Thibs did with Derrick Rose, as the point guard was left into a game late with a 12-point lead before he tore his ACL and was never the same again.
Hart already has a long-term contract to his name with the Knicks and his play over this season has proven that he is a key asset for New York. His willingness to do anything to facilitate winning basketball is a trait that we don't see in many modern players, so it has to be appreciated.
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