Josh Hart cites fatigue as Knicks struggle early

New York Knicks guard Josh Hart. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

'We have to fight through it': Josh Hart cites fatigue as Knicks struggle early

By Paul White | Last updated Oct 31, 2026 11:06 AM ET

The New York Knicks got to enjoy the spoils of being champions back in June for the first time in 53 years. They took down the San Antonio Spurs in an exhilarating five-game NBA Finals series that saw the title winners expend a ton of energy coming back from double-digit deficits in each of their four wins.

Now, New York is experiencing the drawbacks of an extended playoff run, as it is struggling to start the 2026-27 season. It is just 2-4 with two losses to the Philadelphia 76ers, and one loss apiece to the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic.

A big piece of the team’s early struggles is point guard Jalen Brunson, who is shooting 39.5% from the field and 32.5% from three-point range this season. He hasn’t had the same impact on games so far, and he has been ineffective in the clutch for his standards.

Josh Hart believes fatigue is hampering the Knicks

Knicks forward Josh Hart realizes they don’t look like the team that won the championship a few months ago, and he has an understandable explanation for why.

“We all feel the fatigue, but we have to fight through it. We have to make sure we get our bodies ready to play every day. Mentally, we’re there,” said Hart.

Josh Hart: “We all feel the fatigue but we have to fight through it. We have to make sure we get our bodies ready to play every day. Mentally, we’re there.”
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) October 31, 2026

Hart is right — all of New York’s losses have gone down to the wire. It clearly still knows how to put itself in a position to win, it just hasn’t gotten the proper results yet.

However, the Knicks have only played six games in an 82-game season, so it’s not a good sign that they are already gassed. There aren’t many opportunities to rest in an NBA season, and as the defending champions they will get their opponent’s best shot in every game.

The Knicks are going to need to dig deep if they want to set this season on the right track. They are already behind the curve with four losses in the conference, so they need to get rid of the fatigue fast.

Paul White

Paul White is a contract writer from Philadelphia who attended Penn State University. He has contributed hundreds of stories about the NFL and NBA over the years and now brings that experience over to Yardbarker. He is a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan looking to bring the same passion from his city to sports media.

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