[embedded content]
The New York Knicks continued their dominant postseason run Monday night, and Josh Hart pointed directly to the team’s identity after a 137-98 Game 1 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Hart emphasized defensive discipline and pace as the foundation, saying, “Well, I like the whole game of basketball. Something we can do better in terms of not fouling.”
The Knicks shot 63% from the field and led by as many as 40, but the forward stressed that their edge begins on the other end.
“Being physical, getting stops, pushing the pace,” Hart said. “That’s something we’re trying to do and we got to keep it.”
New York’s current stretch includes four straight wins by a combined 135 points, including three consecutive postseason victories by at least 25, an NBA record.
Despite the historic numbers, Hart avoided declaring the team at its peak.
“I don’t know. I’ll let you decide that,” he said when asked if the Knicks are peaking and playing their best basketball now.
The veteran instead pointed to preparation ahead of Game 2 on Wednesday.
“We need to make sure we focus on game play on Wednesday. Tomorrow will be a good day… recovery but be mentally locked in,” Hart said.
Defensively, the Knicks limited Philadelphia’s key scorers, including Tyrese Maxey, who finished with 13 points on 3-for-9 shooting.
Hart highlighted the importance of constant attention in matchups like that.
“Defensively, he did an amazing job staying with him. It’s tough, obviously his speed, but when he gives the ball up, we got to make sure we’re locked in,” Hart said.
“You can’t relax for half a second because then he’s gone.”
The Knicks also showcased balanced scoring, with OG Anunoby scoring 18 on 7-for-8 shooting, while Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges added 17 each.
Hart described the offensive cohesion as a product of a long process.
“Yeah, obviously a lot of trial and error, seeing what works, seeing what doesn’t, and being unselfish,” he said.
“I think that’s the biggest thing and I think that’s where we’re at right now.”
That unselfish approach has translated into efficient offense and consistent blowouts, including a 140-89 closeout win over Atlanta in the first round.
Hart made it clear that individual sacrifices are driving the results.
“Everyone is unselfish, willing to sacrifice individual numbers and stats for the betterment of the team,” he said.
“When we do that, we’re playing our best basketball.”
With Game 2 approaching, the Knicks’ formula remains rooted in defense, pace, and shared responsibility, even as the margins continue to grow.
