Key Takeaways:
– Josh Hart and Miles McBride thanked Knicks fans in separate Instagram posts.
– Hart acknowledged his journey and gave a passionate tribute to his New York City fanbase.
– Amidst an abdominal strain, Hart played through Game 7 against The Pacers.
– While Hart cemented his place in the Knicks roster, McBride demonstrated significant growth in his third season.
Knicks’ Josh Hart and fans, a mutual admiration
As one of the hardest competitors on the New York Knicks side, Josh Hart has edged his way onto the all-time list of fan favorites. Earnest in his efforts, Hart continues to reflect the Knicks’ evolving identity on the court. Indeed, his popularity among the blue and orange faithful is unquestionable.
In an end-of-season Instagram post on May 21, Hart expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the team and fans. His caption, “Home is where the Heart is,” resonated with many. He commended the fans for their unconditional support, saying, “I gave you all I had this season, thank you for embracing me through the ups and down. Here[‘s] to what we are building.”
Hart and Knicks: A Season-End Review
In the 2023-2024 postseason, the team’s journey ended against the Indiana Pacers in Game 7. Hart’s performance, however, was remarkable, averaging 14.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.0 steals in the 2024 playoffs. His spirited performance paved the way for heightened expectations for a more profound Eastern Conference playoffs run in 2025.
The basketballer also cited his sense of home found in New York, admitting how much the fans’ standing ovation meant to him. Despite his journey across four teams, six coaches, and franchises, Hart found a home in New York, expressing his gratitude for the front office belief in him and the contract he was awarded.
Hart’s Deep Gratitude Towards Fans
Hart’s resilience was evident when he went against the strain of an abdominal injury to play in Game 7. He garnered commendable stats, albeit with evident discomfort. His gratitude towards the fans was evident, thanking them for embracing him, imperfections and all. According to him, their continual support made his journey worth it.
He ended the regular season averaging 9.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 81 appearances for the Knicks, joining the ranks of other professionals that reached those statistics, like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic.
Hart’s Teammate Miles McBride on Instagram
But Hart wasn’t the only New York player to express gratitude on Instagram. Backup guard Miles McBride also posted an end-of-season collage on May 21. The caption stated, “Grew a lot in Year 3, but only the Beginning,” reflecting McBride’s significant growth in his third season.
After the OG Anunoby trade, which led to a reshuffling of the Knicks bench, McBride signed a three-year, $13-million extension with the Knicks. His year-end average was 8.3 points on 41-percent shooting from three. Indeed, his time with the Knicks is just starting, hinting at a promising future ahead.