Josh Hart’s energy and knack for motivating his Knicks teammates are pretty much a given.
They can count on that, game after game.
But lately, there have been some surprising aspects to his performance, which is certainly uplifting for the Knicks.
In the Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Celtics, Hart has shown impressive shooting skills, hitting 42.1% from three-point range over the first two games.
During this postseason, he’s getting an even better mark, at 44.0% from deep.
These stats show a significant jump from the regular season, where he averaged just 33.3%.
He started the season as the least effective outside shooter among the starters, often leaving defenders to help on other scorers like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, which made Hart’s shot opportunities less contested.
So far, he’s taken advantage—11 of his three-pointers have been wide open or lightly guarded.
“He’s worked hard at his shooting,” coach Tom Thibodeau commented. “When they’re overcommitting, he’s not hesitant. He just lets it fly, which is crucial for us. It’s about trusting each other and making the extra pass.”
He added, “Carl and Jalen are often double-teamed, so it’s important everyone trusts each other to make plays against that.”
Hart scored 23 points in the Knicks’ narrow 91-90 victory in Game 2, shooting 9-for-15 overall and 3-for-6 from three-point territory. He also contributed six rebounds and three assists.
Updates on the Knicks’ Progress in the 2025 NBA Playoffs
When the Knicks find themselves in tough spots, as they often do in this series, Hart tends to step up as one of their key offensive players.
He actively pushes the pace in transition, creating second-chance opportunities for his teammates.
While he’s received a lot of praise for his defense and energy, his offensive contributions have proven equally vital.
“You could see the variety in how he scores,” Thibodeau remarked. “His transition game is a big strength, and he plays bigger than he is, allowing him to rebound and finish at the rim effectively.”
