Josh Hart shines in starting role, leading Knicks to historic NBA Cup victory
The New York Knicks made headlines this season with their starting five, which was the most utilized lineup in the NBA last year. Logging an impressive 940 minutes together during the 2024-25 regular season, they outpaced the next closest combination by over 200 minutes. However, despite their heavy reliance on this group, the results were underwhelming. Centered around an offense heavily dependent on Jalen Brunson, the team struggled to integrate other players, and their defensive prowess felt mismatched, ultimately finishing with a 3.3 net rating.
A Shift in Strategy
Recognizing the need for change, new head coach Mike Brown decided to shake things up. He retained standout players like OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns in the starting lineup but made the bold choice to bench Josh Hart in favor of Mitchell Robinson. This decision aimed to bolster the team’s defensive front with Robinson’s rim-protecting capabilities alongside Towns. However, Robinson’s inconsistent play raised questions about his role, highlighting that he may be better suited for a bench position.
Meanwhile, Hart has been making a compelling case for his inclusion in the starting five. With a string of impressive performances, he capped off his ninth consecutive game in the starting role with a stellar 21-point outing, shooting an efficient 8-of-11 from the field. His revitalized three-point shooting has complemented his tenacious defense, positioning him as one of the team’s key contributors in both scoring and defensive metrics.
Two-Way Impact
Hart’s standout performance during the Knicks’ inaugural NBA Cup win in the knockout round showcased his multifaceted contributions. His ability to score in a variety of ways was on full display, particularly as an open shooter. Opposing defenses had previously overlooked him, but Hart has since transformed that narrative, consistently hitting over 40% of his three-point attempts on significant volume.
In the Knicks’ commanding 117-101 victory over the Toronto Raptors, Hart demonstrated his shooting prowess, hitting four of his seven attempts from beyond the arc. This not only exemplified his scoring ability but also reinforced his importance to the team as a two-way player, effectively influencing the game on both ends of the court.
As the Knicks continue to build chemistry and effectiveness under Coach Brown, Hart’s evolution into a key player in the starting lineup signals a promising shift in the team’s trajectory. His dynamic play could be exactly what the Knicks need as they aim for continued success this season.
