The New York Knicks are navigating a turbulent stretch, and their latest clash with the Minnesota Timberwolves was a snapshot of both their potential and their growing pains. Despite a 40-point explosion from Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks couldn’t quite keep pace down the stretch, ultimately falling short in a game that exposed some lingering issues - particularly with rotations and on-court communication.
Josh Hart, who’s become one of the emotional engines of this Knicks squad, didn’t hide his frustration during a tense moment in the game. In a clip that quickly made the rounds on social media, Hart was seen yelling at teammate Mohamed Diawara during a sluggish substitution.
His message was loud and clear: “Off the court!” It wasn’t just about the delay - it was about urgency, rhythm, and the kind of accountability that playoff-caliber teams demand from one another.
This recent loss dropped the Knicks to an even 2-2 record in the four games following their NBA Cup final championship win - a milestone moment that was supposed to be a springboard, not a stumbling block. But while the results have been inconsistent, there were still signs of growth. Mikal Bridges chipped in with 15 points, and rookie Tyler Kolek impressed with a 20-point outing, showing flashes of the poise and shot-making the Knicks are hoping to develop further.
But the road ahead doesn’t get any easier. The Knicks are set to face the Cleveland Cavaliers next, and they’ll do so with several key players still out of the rotation due to injuries. That means even more weight falls on the shoulders of Hart and Towns, who are now central to the Knicks’ game plan on both ends of the floor.
Hart, in particular, has embraced that responsibility - not just as a vocal leader, but as a player committed to refining his craft. He’s been working daily with shooting coach Kevin McCullar Jr., and the results are showing. Hart is now knocking down nearly 40 percent of his three-point attempts, a significant jump that’s added a new layer to the Knicks’ offense.
“I’m working with Pete every day on my shot,” Hart said. “It was something vital for me, to have a shooting coach here on staff that I could work with every single day.
Obviously, I had one before, but he lived in Los Angeles. I was playing 38 minutes a game.
It was tough to focus on the mechanics. With Pete, I’m able to work on the mechanics every day, even if it’s just a little bit.
It’s a feeling, repetition.”
That repetition is paying off. Hart’s improved shooting has given the Knicks a more balanced attack, helping open the floor for Towns inside and giving the team much-needed spacing with Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby sidelined. The chemistry is still a work in progress, but the foundation is there - and Hart’s evolution is a big part of it.
The Knicks are in the thick of an identity-building stretch. They’ve shown they can compete with the league’s best, but consistency - in execution, effort, and health - remains the missing piece.
If they can weather this injury storm and continue to grow around their current core, they’ll be more than just a team with potential. They’ll be a team to fear in the postseason.