Josh Hart’s recent Ironman performance hasn’t been seen in the NBA in nearly eight years.
Despite a rash of injuries for the Knicks, Hart has played at least 40 minutes in nine consecutive games. This is the longest streak in the NBA since James Harden had 10 in a row with the Rockets late in the 2015-16 season.
“I-I probably should have quit yesterday because of the way I played,” Hart said of his six turnovers in Sunday’s 79-73 loss to the 76ers. “But when it comes to your body…your body feels good after doing those stretches.
“For me, I just keep trying to recover as much as I can. And then once I go out, I give it everything I’ve got, and once the guys come back, probably 99 percent of the time, I’m going to get 40 every day, every game. I don’t think I’ll play a game, but I feel like I’m in good shape.”
Hart averaged 43.2 minutes over the past nine games before Tuesday’s rematch with the Sixers, but missed one game in January with left knee soreness.
But he hasn’t missed a game since then.
“It’s the typical pain, the typical swelling and inflammation, but it’s okay now,” Hart said. “I’m not going to focus too much on that. I’m just trying to get as much treatment as I can and recover as much as possible. And especially when you’re dealing with players like this, I’m not going to focus too much on that. I know there’s no room for me to cry or miss a game or two.”
OG Anunoby, who has been sidelined since late January with an elbow injury, could return on Tuesday after being upgraded to questionable on the official injury report.
Julius Randle (dislocated shoulder) and Mitchell Robinson (ankle) remain sidelined. Randle is still making “very light” contact, Tom Thibodeau said after practice.
“He probably won’t know until he gets on the field. He’s going to need to take a hit and know he’s going to be OK,” Thibodeau added.
Tyrese Maxey has cleared concussion protocol and the All-Star guard is expected to play for the Sixers on Tuesday night after missing the past four games.
