Josh Hart explains that his throat grab of Jalen Suggs was unintentional.

Josh Hart Clarifies Incident with Jalen Suggs

ORLANDO — Josh Hart insists that he didn’t intend to grab Jalen Suggs by the neck during an intense moment in the fourth quarter of the Knicks’ 133-121 defeat against the Magic.

The play unfolded when both players dove for a loose ball. Unfortunately for Hart, his right hand inadvertently made contact with Suggs’ throat, resulting in a technical foul.

“It was just a loose ball situation,” Hart explained. “I wasn’t really watching him. I was focused on the game and didn’t realize I had hit him until they replayed it.” He described the moment as more of a chaotic, last-second effort rather than anything deliberate.

Hart, trying to clarify the incident, noted, “I didn’t mean to put him in that position. These things just happen in the heat of the moment.” He snapped his fingers to punctuate his point, adding, “I doubt he had enough time to react to the loose ball.” The crowd responded enthusiastically, especially Suggs, who had been putting pressure on Jalen Brunson throughout the game.

This marked Hart’s second technical foul within three games; the previous one occurred when he accidentally hit a referee in the chin during a match against the Heat. On Saturday, he concluded his night with 12 points, five rebounds, and eventually fouled out after 29 minutes of play.

In other news, Miles McBride missed the game due to illness, although he was listed as active. Remarkably, this was the third time this season he didn’t play after having missed games to attend to a family matter.

Orlando’s coach Jamal Mosley was also sidelined during the second half due to his own illness, leaving assistant Joe Planty to take charge of the team, which ultimately came out on top.

Post-game, Mosley said, “I’m feeling better now, but I was pretty dizzy on the sideline at one point. It was a little frightening, but it’s improved.” His comments highlighted the unexpected challenges coaches face during games.

Before the game, Coach Mike Brown offered his condolences for the passing of Rodney Rodgers, who died due to complications from a spinal injury sustained during a dirt bike accident back in 2008. Rodgers had a 12-year NBA career, including time with the New Jersey Nets.

Brown reflected on his time at the Nuggets, where Rodgers played, recalling how impactful he was both on and off the court. He remembered a thrilling moment in 1994 when Rodgers almost led the Nuggets to an incredible comeback, registering nine points in just nine seconds. The final shot from Jeff Malone sealed the win for the Jazz, but the memory remains a significant one for Brown.