ATLANTA — It turns out Tom Thibodeau might have been justified all along—perhaps he didn’t even play Josh Hart has emerged as the Knicks enough. There’s a certain irony that even after Thibodeau’s departure, the Knicks still rely heavily on Hart, both in a literal sense and in terms of his relentless energy. Thibodeau was often criticized for overusing his starters, especially Hart, who ranked near the top of the league in minutes over the past two seasons. Many questioned his loyalty to Hart and even suggested he should be removed from the starting lineup…Read more
Now, with the Knicks trailing 2-1 in their series against the Hawks after a Game 3 loss, that criticism seems misplaced.
Through three playoff games, Hart has clearly been New York’s most valuable contributor. Without his impact, the team could easily be staring at a 3-0 deficit and the possibility of an early, disappointing exit in what was supposed to be a championship-contending season.
Defensively, Hart has been outstanding, effectively limiting All-NBA-caliber forward Jalen Johnson. In a key adjustment, head coach Mike Brown assigned Hart to guard CJ McCollum in the second half of Game 3. After scoring efficiently in the first half, McCollum was completely shut down in the third quarter once Hart took over. No other Knick has been able to contain him as effectively.
Josh Hart has emerged as the Knicks’ MVP — They Need Even More Now
Interestingly, the Knicks traded multiple first-round picks for Mikal Bridges to provide the kind of defensive presence Hart is currently delivering. Yet Bridges saw limited playing time late in Game 3, as Miles McBride stepped in and helped spark a more effective lineup. While this adjustment may continue, one constant is clear: Hart’s role is untouchable Josh Hart has emerged as the Knicks.
Hart brings a physical edge the Knicks desperately need, but his teammates must match that intensity. If they fail to do so, their playoff run could be short-lived. Despite heavy minutes, Hart has consistently been one of the team’s most impactful players statistically.
Coach Brown praised Hart’s unique defensive abilities, highlighting his instincts, footwork, and physicality. While neither Brown nor Hart openly say it, the difference in the team’s performance with and without him on the court is obvious.
Hart himself acknowledged his offensive struggles in Game 3 but emphasized his commitment to taking on tough defensive assignments against players like Johnson and McCollum Josh Hart has emerged as the Knicks.
When Hart isn’t the primary defender, Atlanta’s top players find it much easier to operate. His ability to disrupt plays and prevent favorable matchups has been critical in slowing the Hawks’ offense.
Beyond defense, Hart has also been dominant on the boards, averaging 12 rebounds per game in the series. His efforts have helped limit Atlanta’s second-chance opportunities Josh Hart has emerged as the Knicks.
Earlier this season, Hart briefly came off the bench, but the coaching staff quickly realized his value as a starter—something Thibodeau had already understood.
At 31, Hart has logged significant minutes throughout his career, and the Knicks likely didn’t expect him to shoulder such a large defensive burden, especially after acquiring players like Bridges and OG Anunoby. Yet in the playoffs, he has become their primary defensive anchor.
Recognizing the increased demands, Hart has made lifestyle adjustments, including improving his diet and working with a nutritionist. These changes, along with increased discipline, appear to be paying dividends as the season reaches its most critical stage Josh Hart has emerged as the Knicks…Read more
