New year, same Josh Hart.
The do-it-all guard was at his best again in the Knicks' 119-103 win over the Jazz on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden, posting his second consecutive triple-double.
With 15 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists, Hart became the first Knick player to record consecutive triple-doubles since Michael Ray Richardson in 1981.
It also marks only the fifth time in franchise history that a player accomplished the feat in consecutive games.
The Knicks' short-handed performance, especially at guard, was even more valuable.
They played their first game of the season without Jalen Brunson, who was out with a calf strain.
And after Miles McBride was initially announced as Brunson's replacement in the starting lineup, he suffered a hamstring strain and suffered a scrape during warm-ups.
Hart did his part to compensate, with an ever-increasing role starting the offense and getting the ball up the court.
Veteran guard Cam Payne was set to start at point guard in place of Brunson and McBride, but Hart helped run the show.
With the Knicks down two playmakers, Hart said he started the game more passively when looking for his own points and put more emphasis on setting up his teammates.
Hart has been in charge of the offense at times during his time with Portland and New Orleans, but now that he's become one of the mainstays of the Knicks' offense, he's embraced it even more.
“I always did it a little bit. [and] I've gotten used to it more and more over the last couple of years,” Hart said.
Asked before Brunson was ruled out if his absence would affect Hart's approach to the game, Hart replied, “It doesn't change my mind at all.” My approach is always to go out there and make the right plays. It doesn't matter to me whether the men are there or not. ”
He finished strong in the fourth quarter with a thunderous two-handed dunk down the lane.
His 3-point shooting accuracy has improved this season, but what's even more remarkable is his nearly 70 percent success rate on 2-point field goals.
That's fueled by his ability to attack the rim like he did Wednesday.
“I've struggled with my shot the last few years,” Hart said. Hart shot a career-low 31.0 percent from 3-point range a year ago. “I have to do something, right? If I'm not going to beat 3 Seconds, I'm going to need some stamina.”
Hart said the presence of Karl-Anthony Towns gives him more space to be more offensive.
“and [Towns] I know if I can space the court, I can get to the rim,” Hart said.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau has previously praised Hart's ability to control the offense to take pressure off Brunson even when healthy.
“He's done that since he's been here,” Thibodeau said. “I like the way Josh does it. [plays] Thanks to his rebounding and ability to push the ball. I think these are the most difficult fast breaks to stop. Therefore, we want to get as many easy baskets as possible. You want to get as many layups as possible. And I think he's helping start that off. ”
