Do-it-all wing player Josh Hart likes how things are coming around for the New York Knicks. However, he is fully aware that there is still an eternity left in the season and they cannot just let up.
The Knicks are currently sporting an 18-7 record and are in second place in the Eastern Conference. They have been particularly solid in their last 10 games, going 9-1 in that stretch.
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On the sidelines of the ongoing NBA playoff phase in Las Vegas, Hart spoke with Rachel Nichols on “Open Run” about how their campaign is shaping up, emphasizing the need for them to continue forging ahead with a sense of purpose and a winning mentality.
“Yeah, I mean it obviously takes you a while and, um, you know the thing I learned about being in this league, obviously it’s my ninth year, it takes a minute and you know sometimes the first 10, 15 games isn’t, I would say, it doesn’t fully give you the scope of what a team is or or what they’re going to be,” Hart said.
“So, um, you know we knew we had to make sure we stayed the course and believe in each other and just go out there and hoop,” he added.
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Hart is turning things around
Parallel to the continued improvement of the Knicks is Hart turning things around after a slow start, as the new New York coach, Mike Brown, figured out how to better utilize him under his system.
Since being inserted back into the starting lineup and given more playing time, he has been delivering, averaging 12.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.3 steals. Beyond the numbers, though, his versatility, energy, and keen court sense have enhanced the Knicks’ attack on both ends.
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Together with fellow starters Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns, they have done a solid job as anchors and among the packed crews in the league.
“I just think we have guys that can do a little bit of everything. Um, guys that can knock down shots, facilitate, get to the rim, obviously defend. I think we’ve been defending at a really high level, then being able to push it and get out of transition. So, um, you know, much love to all those guys and, you know, we got to keep building,” Hart said of their starting five.
Related: Burglars raided Josh Hart’s hotel room and stole a fortune in jewelry
NBA Cup finals
Further proof of the significant headway the Knicks have been making this season is that they have advanced to the finals of the NBA Cup. They defeated the Orlando Magic, 132-120, in their semifinal matchup on Saturday and will face the reigning Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs in the championship game on Tuesday.
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New York’s starting five was again collectively a handful for the Magic. Brunson led the way with 40 points and eight assists, with Towns and Anunoby scoring 29 and 24 points, respectively. Bridges had 16 while Hart was in his all-around self with 12 points, six rebounds, six assists, three steals and a block.
There are still many games to be played in the 2015-16 NBA season. Still, with Hart and the rest of the Knicks figuring things out early, they are setting themselves up for a possible special ending to their campaign.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Dec 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.