INDIANAPOLIS – If Tom Thibodeau decides to switch up the lineup and start Mitchell Robinson for the Knicks’ third game against the Pacers, Josh Hart insists he’s all in, even if it means coming off the bench for the first time this season.
“I’ve been in different roles—15th guy, 3rd guy, 6th guy. I’ve done it all,” Hart mentioned at Gainbridge Field House. “I genuinely believe I can be a starter in this league. If there’s a change, that’s fine with me.”
“I can’t just talk about sacrifice and setting aside personal agendas. I don’t want to be upset about it or feel sorry for myself. That’s not who I am.”
“So, if Thibs makes that call, I might be unsure about it, but I’m fully on board. I’ll play my minutes and stick to my game.”
After the loss in Game 2, Hart emphasized that the Knicks “need to figure out how” to improve, hinting that Robinson could be part of that solution. He mentioned the team’s willingness to work together, saying, “We have to sacrifice for the betterment of the team.”
The Knicks’ starting line-up struggled early in Game 2, falling behind 15-5 before Robinson came in.
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Robinson, back after missing the first part of the season due to ankle surgery, logged 29 minutes in Game 2, scoring six points, grabbing nine rebounds (four offensive), and earning three blocks.
Hart had an unusually quiet Game 2, finishing with just six points in 28 minutes, hampered by early fouls.
When pressed about the need for lineup changes, he light-heartedly acknowledged the gravity of the situation.
Following two tough losses at home, Hart remarked that the team might need to make a “dramatic” shift. He noted their solid performance on the road in previous playoff rounds.
“I think we need something significant in terms of energy, effort, and competitiveness,” Hart commented. “I watched Minnesota’s game yesterday against Oklahoma City. They exploded offensively. Each playoff game requires that kind of intensity right from the start.”
“We can’t ease up, especially in early game situations. We need to prevent talented teams from getting comfortable. That’s the big shift we need—changing our energy levels.”
