Key Takeaways:
– Josh Hart continues to play the full 48 minutes in the Knicks’ playoff games.
– Hart has played full games for four times this postseason, matching a record last set by Jimmy Butler in 2013.
– The Knicks have a winning record when Hart plays the whole game and are currently leading their Conference Semifinals series 2-0.
– Despite a player injury, the Knicks have a historical advantage when leading 2-0 in the Conference Semifinals.
New York Knicks player, Josh Hart, has proven himself to be a key part of their successful playoff campaign this season. Playing all 48 minutes in the second game of their series, Hart’s full-time participation marked the second consecutive instance in this run.
Stepping Up To Play
Hart’s lack of rest during the game, outside of halftime and timeouts, has become an unexpected strategy by Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. Despite this being a rare move in basketball, Hart appears unfazed by the unique approach. He even asserted that he enjoys playing without taking a break, relishing the opportunity to compete at every moment.
This resilient attitude reflects the same spirit that led to Jimmy Butler’s similar record in 2013. Interestingly, Thibodeau, as the then-head coach of the Chicago Bulls, was the one to facilitate Butler’s feat as well.
A Significant Contributor
Hart wrapped up Game 2 with an impressive tally of 19 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block, proving his importance to the team. Indeed, his contribution is as essential to the Knicks as any player not named Jalen Brunson.
The Knicks are showing a trend of success when Hart plays for the full duration, improving to a 3-1 record in such instances. After New York’s point guard sustained an injury in Game 2, Hart is expected to play an even more prominent role in Game 3.
Addressing Potential Changes
The injury scars are not just limited to the Knicks’ point guard. OG Anunoby, another key player for the Knicks, suffered a hamstring injury during his best offensive game in New York. Despite being ruled out for the remainder of the game, Hart humorously made it clear that Anunoby’s absence would not affect his 48-minute streak on the court.
Historically Favorable Odds for the Knicks
In light of the recent injury concerns, it’s worth noting that the Knicks hold a remarkable 26-4 record all-time when Anunoby plays and 13-14 when he doesn’t. Thus, Anunoby’s injury could be a considerable disadvantage for the team as they move forward.
Despite this, historical odds seem to favor New York. According to Land of Basketball, teams leading 2-0 in the Conference Semifinals have an all-time record of 108-7. Given this, coupled with New York’s resilience in a season fraught with injuries, the Knicks could still pull off a strong playoff performance.
Looking Ahead
The Knicks, who are now leading their Conference Semifinals series 2-0, face a challenging road ahead. With no updates on Anunoby’s status, it will require a monumental effort from Brunson and other players such as Hart to keep the season alive.
Despite the difficulties of upcoming road games and player injuries, the team’s spirit, resilience, and the historical advantage of a 2-0 lead instil a sense of optimism. The upcoming games will undoubtedly test the Knicks, especially if they are to emulate the 2022 Mavericks’ comeback from a similar position. Time will tell how this dramatic season unfolds.