In a thrilling display of basketball at Madison Square Garden, Josh Hart proved his worth as a fan favorite for the New York Knicks. After a challenging outing against the Golden State Warriors where he was involved in a heated exchange with coach Tom Thibodeau, Hart bounced back with an exceptional performance, leading the Knicks to a decisive 116-95 victory over the struggling Miami Heat.
Josh Hart achieved his eighth triple-double of the season, finishing the game with an impressive stat line of 12 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists, four steals, and one block. This remarkable feat marked his 14th triple-double since joining the Knicks just over two years ago. Thibodeau praised Hart, calling him a “monster” on the court. Hart’s performance tied him with Knicks legend Walt Frazier for the franchise record of triple-doubles in a single season, a record that had stood since the 1968-69 season.
Reflecting on his achievement, Hart expressed humility, stating, “My playing style is very sporadic, you never know what you’re gonna get. For me to be in the same sentence or tied with a record like that is nothing but a blessing.” He further emphasized that while records are significant, his focus remains on contributing to the team.
The Knicks returned from a five-game West Coast trip with vigor, improving their record to 43-24 and securing their third win in four outings. This victory was particularly vital as they began a stretch of five consecutive games against teams with sub-.500 records. The Knicks showcased their offensive prowess, particularly in a dominant third quarter where they outscored the Heat 41-15.
In addition to Hart's standout performance, Mikal Bridges led all scorers with 28 points on an efficient 10-of-14 shooting, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 23 points and seven rebounds. The Heat’s struggles continued, marking their eighth consecutive loss, as they fell to 29-39 after trading away star player Jimmy Butler. Miami initially came out strong, scoring the first 12 points of the game, but the Knicks quickly adjusted.
After the Knicks found themselves trailing by as much as 13 points early in the second quarter, Towns stepped up dramatically. He went on a personal 15-0 run, a remarkable achievement that made him the first player in Knicks history to accomplish such a feat. “He gave us life,” Thibodeau said of Towns’ impact. This offensive surge included a mix of powerful dunks and long-range shooting, culminating in back-to-back three-pointers that shifted the momentum in favor of the Knicks.
Towns himself recognized the need for urgency, stating, “We started out slow and I wanted to add some energy to the game.” His aggressive play not only energized his teammates but also helped secure the Knicks' first lead of the game at 33-31.
Despite entering halftime with a narrow 49-47 lead, the Knicks' defense took control early in the second half. Bridges’ 7-0 run quickly expanded the Knicks' lead into double digits. The defensive efforts, highlighted by Mitchell Robinson’s presence in the paint and Miles McBride’s perimeter pressure, held the Heat to a dismal 6-of-23 shooting from beyond the arc and forced 20 turnovers throughout the game.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra acknowledged the Knicks' defensive prowess, stating, “That’s the story right now, holding teams down every single night.” With this victory, the Knicks are poised for continued success as they navigate through a favorable schedule against underperforming teams.
