Josh Hart makes candid admission after Knicks’ latest loss

The championship hangover appears to be real for at least some New York Knicks.

Knicks wing Josh Hart admitted that he is struggling mentally after being a non-factor in the team’s 106-104 loss to the Indiana Pacers. Hart said he was “not in a good headspace” after going 0/4 from the field in a scoreless performance.

“Just have to be better,” Hart said, via Fred Katz of The Athletic. “Have to be better mentally. I just gotta get my mental right.”

Hart missed a week due to ankle issues and was playing his second game back since then. His struggles have been pronounced all year, as he is shooting just 36.2 percent from the field and averaging 7.3 points per game in nine games this season. He was kept on the bench for the entire fourth quarter of Friday’s game.

Hart has had his down moments before, but these struggles are rather alarming considering he is one of the team’s sparkplugs. His performance somewhat mirrors that of the team, which is off to a middling 6-6 start as they seek to defend their NBA title.