Josh Hart’s Versatile Gameplay Keeps Opponents Guessing
Josh Hart’s performance can feel unpredictable, much like a box of chocolates—you just never quite know what’s coming. He adapts his aggressiveness based on what the game requires at that moment.
Sometimes, he steps up as the main facilitator, guiding the Knicks’ offense and helping Jalen Brunson operate off the ball. Other times, he takes charge as the team’s second-leading scorer. And often, it’s a blend of both roles.
After the Knicks’ victory over the Celtics, Hart shared, “I can’t tell you how many shots I turned down. I love making assists. I used to love scoring. Now I love making guys take shots, getting guys involved. Sometimes I get bad reads because I have to take shots when I’m open, but I love making it easier for others.”
Sunday’s game was a bit out of the ordinary for him. Hart took 14 shots and made 7—his minutes on the court were second only to Brunson’s, and he played five more minutes than Karl-Anthony Towns, who is typically a key offensive player.
Notably, he hit six 3-pointers, which was also the second-highest on the team for that game. He recorded three assists, falling short of his usual average.
Since coming back from an ankle sprain, Hart has shown some variation in his shooting numbers. In the 13 games since his return, he took just three shots in a recent loss to the Wizards and had a standout performance with 17 shots in a win against the Blazers.
This kind of inconsistency is uncommon for most players. Part of it is influenced by how opponents choose to defend him. Many consider him the least threatening 3-point shooter in the Knicks’ standard lineup, which includes Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Hart, OG Anunoby, and Towns. This perceived weakness allows defenders to sag off him, resulting in different defensive strategies.
“Games like [Sunday],” Hart remarked, “mean I have to be super aggressive and keep them honest.”
He has used opponents’ strategies to his advantage this season, achieving a career-best 40.4 percent from beyond the arc.
Coach Mike Brown noted, “I never have to tell Josh how to play; he figures it out himself. Teams underestimate him, and we encourage him to take those shots. He’s really adept at timing moments when to strike. When the ball is pushed to him, that defender usually bails out to the paint, but now they have to close in on Josh quickly.” This agility allows him to finish at the rim effectively while also having a solid mid-range game.
His impact on the offensive side is undeniable. Hart’s ability to position himself effectively is key. After his first game back in Portland, his presence was felt in transition, whether he was bringing the ball up or filling in on the perimeter. That sort of presence is vital, especially against top-tier teams.
Accepting his versatile role hasn’t always been easy for Hart. It’s something he’s had to learn to embrace over time.
“I think I really got it in Portland,” Hart recalled. “I was venting to Mark Tindall, saying, ‘I’m not getting the ball or the touches.’ His response highlighted that there were other talented players around, and my role was to figure out how to support them. From that moment, I adjusted my mindset.”
Now, he feels confident navigating this identity, which he admits took some time to embrace.
The Knicks are gearing up for back-to-back games against the Pacers and 76ers. It wouldn’t be surprising if Hart takes a different approach in each match.
Meanwhile, Anunoby is questionable for the upcoming game due to a sore toe, and Mitchell Robinson remains out. This sets the stage for an interesting matchup.
