Josh Hart coming on strong for Knicks at pivotal time

There was no more appropriate way of capping a Knicks win in Josh Hart fashion than Monday night against the Detroit Pistons, when he scored an and-one in the final chaotic seconds to give New York the lead, then secured multiple offensive rebounds off his free throw misses. 

He was everywhere, scoring a season-high tying 23 points, hitting three threes, securing eight rebounds, and dishing out six assists.

These last few shorthanded games, Hart has turned around what’s been an up-and-down season. In his last seven games, he is averaging 15 points, 8.9 rebounds and 5.6 assists on 46 percent shooting from the field and 38.2 percent from three.

While impressive, those numbers don’t properly tell the tale of Hart’s impact when he’s at full strength and effort. The 6’4” dynamo joined the Knicks at the trade deadline last year, spurring a massive run into the postseason, where he put up some big games.

New York had an elite net rating with Hart last season, and it was easy to see why. His ability to switch and guard multiple positions defensively, his on-point rotations, and his hustle and connectivity on offense were a much-needed jolt to the Knicks lineup.

Unfortunately, some of those qualities dipped this year. Part of it was due to Hart participating in the FIBA World Cup over the summer, and part of it was a shifting role during the regular season. Whatever the ultimate cause, his performance suffered.

Through December, he shot 45.7 percent from the field, well below his usual over 50 percent, and only averaged 5.9 rebounds despite a negligible minutes decrease. It was clear he was a step slow and an inch short on plays he was making last season, which caused some fans to question his place in the rotation.

That’s understandable, as Hart’s slumps are a bit more noticeable. He’s largely ignored on offense by defenses, he’s not making his usual presence felt in the little places, and suddenly the game goes by without feeling like he played in it.

But Hart has since worked his way back to form, and fans are beginning to remember why they loved him in the first place.

Just in the last month and change, Hart has shown the ability to man four different positions, played pseudo-point guard for an injury-plagued rotation, slotted at the two in a bigger OG Anunoby-featured lineup, and held two forward spots. 

After averaging just six rebounds in the first half of the year, he’s averaged 8.8 since, crashing the boards with impunity.

Offensively, he’s looking more aggressive in finding driving lanes, then either kicking out or finishing. It’s likely being saved for the playoffs, but we’ve seen flashes of him as the short roller off a screen, making plays out of 4-on-3 situations.

It’s helped that he’s found a renewed confidence in his jumper. That, along with his accuracy, can ebb and flow, but he needs to at least be taking them for defenses to care.

Hart is attempting five threes a night these last seven games compared to 2.8 prior, and even more impressively has buried 38.2 percent of them. He can manage that kind of clip for stretches, but even if he’s off, the Knicks need him looking to shoot.

To be fair, New York needs him in a lot more places than that. This is a team that thrives on identity and guys knowing their roles, and Hart has the everything role, playing where his team needs and doing all the dirty work he can.

After some shaky months, he’s played that role beautifully recently, when the Knicks have needed him most. But as core pieces return from injury, New York will need to maintain Hart’s output and keep him ready to produce at this level during the postseason.