Josh Hart has secured his spot in Knicks history with an impressive iron-man streak that hasn’t been seen in over 50 years. In Monday’s game against the Warriors, Hart played all 48 minutes and recorded a triple-double, a feat achieved only by Hall of Famers Clyde Frazier and Jerry Lucas in franchise history. This makes Hart the first Knick to log all 48 minutes in a regular-season game since Jared Jeffries in 2010.
Hart’s performance is even more remarkable considering the team’s recent rash of injuries. Since January 30th, Hart has been playing an average of 41.1 minutes per game and has been contributing significantly in multiple areas. He is averaging 13.0 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 5.7 assists during this stretch.
However, despite his impressive numbers, Hart has struggled with his shooting. He has a field goal percentage of .398 and a three-point percentage of .304 during this period. Despite this slump, Hart believes that it allows him to focus on other aspects of his game. He mentioned that teams play off him due to his shooting struggles, which gives him opportunities to make plays for his teammates and get into the lane.
Another player making an impact for the Knicks is Isaiah Hartenstein. After sitting out a few games before the All-Star break due to Achilles soreness, Hartenstein recently posted his first double-double since returning to the court. He scored 13 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a game.
Hartenstein’s playing time has been slowly increasing as the coaching staff wants to ensure that he fully recovers from his injury. He has been averaging 26 minutes over the first three games of the road trip, and coach Tom Thibodeau wants to prioritize his long-term health over rushing him back too soon.
Both players, Hart and Hartenstein, have shown their value to the Knicks during this challenging period of injuries. Hart’s iron-man streak and statistical contributions have earned him a place in Knicks history alongside legendary players. On the other hand, Hartenstein’s return from injury and recent double-double performance demonstrate his potential and the team’s cautious approach to ensure his long-term health.
As the Knicks continue to navigate through injuries and tough competition, the contributions of players like Hart and Hartenstein will be crucial in their quest for success.
