The New York Knicks are heating up, and it’s not just because of the scoreboard. After a dominant 116-94 win over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night - their fourth straight victory - head coach Mike Brown didn’t hesitate to point to the spark behind the surge: veteran guard Josh Hart.
“He's a special player, but he's also a great human being to be around,” Brown said postgame, summing up what Hart has meant to this team over the past week.
Hart’s Impact: More Than Just Numbers
Let’s start with the box score - because it’s impressive. Hart dropped 20 points, grabbed 12 boards, and dished out seven assists on 8-of-12 shooting against Toronto.
That kind of stat line doesn’t just happen by accident. It’s the result of a player who’s locked in, confident, and fully integrated into the flow of the game.
Since being reinserted into the starting lineup due to injuries to OG Anunoby and Landry Shamet, Hart has been on a tear. Over the Knicks’ four-game win streak, he's averaged 17.0 points on 53.3% shooting, 11.8 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 2.8 steals per game. Those aren’t just solid numbers - they’re elite, especially for a player who wasn’t even starting a week ago.
And it’s not just a hot streak. It’s a resurgence. Hart has found his rhythm, and the Knicks are reaping the benefits.
Brown Owns Early Misstep
To his credit, Mike Brown isn’t shying away from how things started. The first-year Knicks head coach, who took over after the departure of Tom Thibodeau, admitted that he misread Hart’s role early in the season. Hart came off the bench and saw limited fourth-quarter minutes - a surprising move given his versatility and proven impact.
"I'll take the hit on that," Brown said. “He didn't really play in the preseason and didn't even really practice in the preseason, so for me, I was behind the eight ball trying to figure out how to incorporate him with what we were trying to do.”
That kind of accountability from a head coach is rare - and it speaks volumes. But what’s even more telling is how Hart handled it.
No complaints. No drama.
Just professionalism and patience. And now that Brown has adjusted, the Knicks are thriving.
The Glue Guy Every Contender Needs
Josh Hart isn’t the flashiest name on the Knicks' roster - not with Jalen Brunson running the show and Karl-Anthony Towns anchoring the frontcourt - but he might be the most important connective piece.
He brings the hustle. The grit.
The dirty work. He’s crashing the boards, pushing the pace, making the extra pass, and guarding multiple positions.
He’s the kind of player who fills in all the gaps that don’t always show up in highlight reels but are essential to winning basketball.
And it’s showing in the standings. The Knicks are now 13-6, sitting second in the Eastern Conference, and they’ve been nearly unbeatable at home with a 10-1 record - trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder in that category.
What’s Next
The Knicks will see the Raptors again soon - this time in Toronto, with a spot in the NBA Cup Eastern Conference semifinals on the line. And if Hart keeps playing at this level, New York’s ceiling only gets higher.
This isn’t just a fun stretch of basketball in early December. It’s starting to feel like something more. With Hart back in the starting five and Brown dialing in the right combinations, the Knicks are playing like a team that’s ready to make serious noise in the East.