Josh Hart Advocates for Increased Minutes for Mitchell Robinson

After the Knicks found themselves in an 0-2 deficit in the Eastern Conference Finals, Josh Hart expressed the need for more playing time for Mitchell Robinson.

“We have to determine how—well, I think he played,” Hart remarked following their narrow 114-109 defeat. “We need to consider if he can be on the floor more. We play better with him. Everyone’s more willing to make sacrifices for the team’s success.”

Hart has been a key player, scoring 81 points in the playoffs, yet was sidelined during crucial moments on Friday as the Knicks fell into an early 19-9 deficit. They also struggled at the start of the third quarter, allowing a 15-7 run. Coach Tom Thibodeau appeared hesitant to make changes to the starting five.

When asked about possible adjustments after the game, he mentioned, “We’re always evaluating everything.”

Robinson played a postseason-high of 29 minutes in Game 2, contributing six points, nine rebounds, and three blocks, along with a team-best plus-6 rating.

Throughout this series, the Knicks have outscored the Pacers by six points with Robinson on the court, but they fall short by 14 points when he’s off.

With just over 30 seconds remaining, the Knicks were trailing by three. Jalen Brunson opted to pass up a three-pointer for a layup from Josh Hart, which narrowed the gap to one point.

Brunson reflected, “I was looking for a three and noticed him open, but I had to adjust. It didn’t work out in our favor. We had time and chances to execute our game plan.”

Two free throws from Aaron Nesmith led to a deeper disappointment for Brunson and the team.

Meanwhile, Karl Anthony Towns remained mostly benched during the fourth quarter, playing only five minutes and posting a minus-20 in 28 minutes of action, struggling defensively throughout the game.

Thibodeau noted, “We got into a hole, but the group out there gave us a chance. We were just searching for a way to secure a win.”