The New York Knicks punched their ticket to the NBA’s In-Season Tournament quarterfinals after they dominated the Charlotte Hornets 115-91.
The Knicks got big performances from Julius Randle and Immanuel Quickley as the duo combined for 48 points in the rout over the Hornets.
Charlotte was playing without LaMelo Ball, so New York had no business losing this game but the result was still impressive given that it felt like a total team effort.
An encouraging sign for the Knicks was Josh Hart who had an excellent game off the bench, stuffing the stat sheet with 17 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in 30 minutes.
Hart has been a natural fit for head coach Tom Thibodeau and New York as a gritty defender who can make plays offensively, though he recently raised some eyebrows when he made comments about feeling left out of the offense.
However, Hart addressed his previous statement with a resounding answer about where he stands with the Knicks via Ian Begley of SNY.
“Josh Hart says he’s. not disgruntled,” Hart said.
“Josh Hart says he’s not disgruntled.”
– that’s the quote Hart asked reporters should make sure they tweeted after he took questions about the game. Hart was in a good mood after the game, said his recent comments didn’t factor in at all in his strong play vs CHA
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) November 29, 2023
There were rumors that Hart could be looking for a way out of New York because of his offensive role, but it sounds like those were blown way out of proportion.
Every player would like to do more, but Hart is a true team player who is willing to do whatever’s asked of him as long as it results in wins.
Hart also showed that he can still get his own offensively when given the opportunity, so perhaps Thibodeau will reward him with more touches going forward.
#Josh #Hart #Clarifies #Situation #Knicks