Josh Hart isn’t just embracing the open looks - he’s punishing defenses for giving them to him.
In a season where the Knicks are navigating sky-high expectations, Hart’s resurgence as a perimeter threat has quietly become one of the team’s most valuable developments. Coming into the year, Hart was nursing a finger injury on his shooting hand and wasn’t sure how it would affect his already inconsistent three-point stroke. Fast forward a few months, and he’s posting a career-high 40.4% from deep - a number that’s not just solid, but legitimately impactful in the context of this Knicks offense.
Under new head coach Mike Brown, Hart has found a rhythm - and more importantly, a role that demands he stay aggressive. He shot 42.4% from three in January, then cranked it up to 46.7% in February heading into Tuesday’s matchup with the Pacers.
That’s not just hot shooting - that’s forcing defenses to rethink their scouting reports. Teams have been sagging off Hart, daring him to shoot.
And he’s making them pay.
“I don’t ever call a play for Josh and he finds his way [into the scoring column],” Brown said after Hart dropped 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting in a win over the Celtics. “Teams keep putting their five on him and we tell him to let it fly. He’s really good because he knows when to let it fly.”
That balance - knowing when to shoot and when to facilitate - has always been the hallmark of Hart’s game. He’s a connector, a glue guy, someone who thrives doing the little things that don’t always show up in the box score. But now, with teams daring him to shoot, he's had to flip the switch and become more of a scorer - even if it’s not his natural inclination.
It’s a mindset shift that dates back to his days in Portland, where he played alongside Damian Lillard. Hart recalled a conversation with assistant coach Mark Tyndale - who’s now on Brown’s staff in New York - that helped reshape how he saw his role.
“I think one day I was venting to [Tyndale],” Hart said. “‘Bro, I’m not getting the ball.
I’m not getting any touches.’ And he’s like, ‘We’ve got Dame, we’ve got all these guys.
We’re not saying you can’t score. We’re saying we’ve got guys that are better and that’s what they’re here to do.’
“And from then on, I said let me work out how I can help these guys and find them in good positions.”
That lesson stuck. And now, in a Knicks starting five loaded with firepower - Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby - Hart once again finds himself in a role where he’s not the focal point, but he’s essential to the way it all functions.
The difference this time? Opponents are giving him room, and he’s learned how to take advantage.
“Games like this where that sacrifice is me having to go out there and be super aggressive and keep them honest,” Hart said. “So it took a little bit of getting used to, but I think right now I’m in a good head space with it.”
That word - sacrifice - is key. Hart doesn’t see shooting as padding his stats.
For him, taking those open threes is about keeping the offense in rhythm, giving stars like Brunson and Towns the space they need to operate. It’s a subtle but crucial part of his game.
“I turn down shots I don’t know how many times,” he said. “I love getting assists.
I used to love scoring. Now I love getting guys shots, getting guys involved.
Sometimes it’s the bad read because I should shoot it when I’m open, but I love getting guys shots.”
That unselfishness is what makes Hart such a valuable piece in a contending lineup. But now, with defenses daring him to be the guy, he’s proving he can be more than just a role player. He’s showing he can be a difference-maker - even if it’s not the role he’s most comfortable in.
And for a Knicks team with championship aspirations, that could be the kind of edge that makes all the difference.