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Josh Hart pointed to pace and execution as key issues after the New York Knicks fell 107-106 to the Atlanta Hawks in Game 2 on Monday at Madison Square Garden.
“I feel like our pace wasn’t as good as it normally is,” Hart said. “We’re a team that we get stops, we can play fast and get good looks, good buckets.”
New York struggled to convert those opportunities, shooting 45 percent from the field and just 63 percent from the free-throw line in a one-point game.
“But we didn’t execute as much as I wanted to,” Hart said.
The Knicks committed 14 turnovers that led to 18 Atlanta points, disrupting their ability to control tempo and flow.
On the defensive end, Hart highlighted the challenge of containing CJ McCollum, who scored 32 points and closed the game with multiple late baskets.
“Yeah, I mean just, you know, he made tough shots,” Hart said. “He’s a really good offensive player. He’s going to make shots.”
Atlanta repeatedly targeted switches to free McCollum in isolation, especially late in the fourth quarter.
“I wish we could do a better job of being more physical on those kind of things and contesting and rebounding,” Hart said.
The Hawks erased a 12-point deficit entering the fourth, capitalizing on second chances and late-game execution.
Hart finished with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists, contributing across the stat sheet but acknowledging the missed details that defined the outcome.
“Not mean, just all of it,” Hart said when asked what made the loss sting. “This is a game you should have won in two.”
New York had been 40-1 in postseason history when leading by at least 12 points after three quarters, underscoring the missed opportunity.
“In the playoffs you can’t give away games,” Hart said.
The Knicks also left points at the line, missing 10 free throws, a margin that matched the final deficit.
The final possession reflected the narrow margin, as Mikal Bridges pushed the ball in transition but missed a jumper at the buzzer.
Hart emphasized the need for accountability as the series shifts to Atlanta for Game 3.
“So you know, we all got to make sure we all locked in, watch the film of it, get better,” Hart said.
With the first-round series now tied 1-1, the focus turns to adjustments on both ends of the floor.
“And you know, go in and win Game 3,” Hart said.
