Josh Hart may have finally taken a break, but he still managed to join the Knicks’ big company.
The detailed guard grabbed 18 rebounds in the Knicks’ 111-106 loss in Game 3 against the Pacers in Indianapolis, making him the first team player since Patrick Ewing to record at least 15 boards in consecutive playoff games. He became the first player in history to do so. In 1999.
Hart had 10 points, 18 rebounds, four assists and two steals on Friday night, two days after he had 19 points and 15 rebounds as the Knicks defeated the Pacers 130-121 in Game 2.
It was the seventh time in nine playoff games he had at least 13 rebounds. Entering the night, he was averaging 12.8 rebounds per game, which ranked fourth in the postseason, and he had 13.3 rebounds in Game 3.
His 18 grabs through the glass ended in a tough game for the Knicks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse as the injured and sick team fell short of regaining a 3-0 series lead. It symbolized.
This is perhaps even more impressive considering that for the first time in the series, Hart came off the bench with 8:05 left in the third quarter and just under five minutes of game time.
Follow The Post’s coverage of the Knicks in the NBA playoffs
The 29-year-old ironman’s incredible streak, which had previously played 144 minutes in 12 consecutive quarters, came to an end.
Hart’s 8.3 rebounds per game tied for third with Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein during the regular season, while Julius Randle (9.2) and Mitchell Robinson (8.5) He missed part of the match due to injury.
