Knicks' Josh Hart Finding Extra Gear At Right Time

Bam Adebayo’s 83-point game qualifies as one of the biggest statistical outliers in NBA history. The New York Knicks had their own scoring surprise two night's ago when Josh Hart dropped a Knicks career-high 33 points in just three quarters and 26 minutes against the tanking Indiana Pacers. He made 12 of 13 shots and had a hunch that a big night was coming.

"When I knew Jalen (Brunson) wasn't playing," Hart told MSG's Alan Hahn while getting his butt slapped mid-interview by Jose Alvarado. "So he wasn't going to hog the ball."

Taking advantage of Brunson's absence, Hart recorded one of the most efficient games in franchise history and became the fourth Knick to score 30+ points on 90% or better shooting, joining Walt Bellamy, Willis Reed and Bernard King, per the Knicks. The 31-year old also became the first player in league history with 30+ PTS 5+ REB 5+ AST 5+ 3P 90+ FG% in a game.

Hart Looked At His Best Against Indiana

Hart, who isn't known for his scoring prowess, was called upon once upon a time to be a primary scoring option during his first few weeks in Portland. Thanks to a Damian Lillard injury, the Blazers were actively trying to lose and let Hart cook to a tune of 19.9 points in 13 games. The team went 4-9 and Hart joked on his podcast back in February about his brief time as the guy.

“Yeah I was getting buckets,” Hart said on the Roomates Show podcast. ”And that’s when I knew, I was like, you know what? I’m a good basketball player and I can help a team win, but if I’m the number one or number two option on that team. Not a great team.”

With Mike Brown's group, Hart is the fifth scoring option in the starting lineup. He's arguably the fifth option regardless of who’s on the floor. He had only cracked 25 points four times during his previous 280 games in a Knicks uniform, including his 27-point debut in orange and blue against Brooklyn.