PHILADELPHIA — Josh Hart joked on Sunday that the Knicks needed Jalen Brunson to score 47 points, especially because of his own struggles on offense.
“St, starting small forward, power forward, whatever I was, I just couldn’t shoot. And at the free throw line I was like Shaq,” Hart said after the Knicks’ 97-92 Game 4 win. evaluated.
Of course, Hart has established himself as a do-it-all type of player who can have a big impact on games even when he doesn’t score, and the Knicks took a 3-1 series lead with their first shutout chance. That was clearly the case. The Sixers come to the Garden on Tuesday.
Hart committed five turnovers and missed all seven field goal attempts, including 0-for-3 on 3-pointers, but grabbed 17 rebounds, including five on the offensive glass, helping the Knicks lead in the division. He helped them take a 15-9 advantage. .
He also finished the game with three of the Knicks’ 11 blocked shots and five assists.
“So I had to do something,” said Hart, who made 4 of 8 from the free throw line. “We had five turnovers, we didn’t make any shots, we didn’t make any free throws, and we missed two free throws in the second half, which was big. Offensively, we didn’t have that today.
“But even if you can do that, you have to find a way to make an impact in the game. And for me, that was rebounding and pushing. Offensive rebounds, trying to get extra possessions. A few blocks. So it looked athletic, so that was good.
“But yeah, when you can’t make shots, you have to find other ways to impact the game.”
Hart has been shooting well in the first three games of the series, hitting 20-of-44 from the floor (.455 batting average) and over 50 percent (12-of-23) from long range, making 4 in each game. He made a successful 3-point shot. exterior.
Tom Thibodeau praised the Knicks for showing “a lot of hustle” in Game 4, but said “Josh was unbelievable” in that regard.
“I thought we were physical. I think we defended ourselves, but it was tough physically,” Hart said. “We matched their physicality. I think we outrebounded them last game, but we outrebounded them today. [52-42]. We didn’t allow ourselves to be swayed. ”
