NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 21: Josh Hart #3 reacts after scoring a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter of the New York Knicks in Game Two of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden on May 21, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

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As the New York Knicks overcame a 22-point fourth quarter deficit to win Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals in overtime Tuesday night, veteran starter Josh Hart sat on the bench, cheering on his teammates rather than playing. Hart was ineffective all game, so coach Mike Brown down the stretch went with reserve Landry Shamet, who delivered with three 3-pointers and a lockdown defensive performance on Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden.

Still, in Thursday night’s 109-93 Game 2 victory at Madison Square Garden, Hart showed how important he is to the Knicks as the franchise seeks its first title since 1973. Hart had a career playoff-high 26 points, seven assists and just one turnover, helping the Knicks to their ninth consecutive victory.

Hart got off to a slow start, missing five of his first seven shots, including all three 3-pointers. After his third 3 clanged off the back of the rim midway through the first quarter, Hart pulled his shirt over his mouth. Hart, ever the perfectionist, wasn’t thrilled.

“I don’t know if you could say what he was saying to himself out loud,” Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns said.

Hart admitted he was down on himself. He had been working with Knicks assistants Kwazdo Ahelegbe and Pater Patton on his shot, and yet here he was, again missing open looks. After making just seven of his 34 3’s in New York’s first nine playoff games, Hart connected on four of six in the Knicks’ clinching Game 4 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in the conference semifinals. But in Game 1 against the Cavaliers, Hart missed four of five 3’s, contributing to his benching.

On Thursday, the Cavaliers gave Hart plenty of room, daring him to shoot. Eventually, he made them pay. Hart made eight of his final 14 field goals, including five of his last eight 3’s, tying a career high for 3’s in a playoff game.

“I was frustrated at first,” Hart said. “I was just like, ‘Bruh, it’s not translating right now. I knew to just keep shooting, and if I did that, I’d be good.”

Said Knicks coach Mike Brown: “We want him to keep shooting it. If his feet are set and (Cavaliers center) Jarrett Allen wants to play in the paint, shoot it. We’ll figure out the rest of the game after that.”

Brown said Hart reminds him of Andre Iguodala, whom he coached as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors. Like Iguodala, who was overshadowed by teammates such as Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson, Hart plays a supporting role to stars such as Towns and Jalen Brunson. And like Iguodala, Hart sometimes struggles shooting or in other areas but always gives an effort, especially on defense.

“He does so many little things that don’t show up in this box score,” Brown said. “You have to, starting with me, be careful to not dismiss him. And then on top of that, because he’s so impactful as a connector, I’ve got to give him probably more leash than anybody else.”

Hart was later asked about the Iguodala comparison.

“Iggy, first off, was a hell of a player,” Hart said. “I don’t know if I’m at that level. I just try to go out there and just play my game. I’m never a huge analytics guy. At a certain point, they’re a lamp post to a drunk person. You can lean on them, but it won’t get you home.”

Towns, sitting next to Hart at the postgame press conference, couldn’t contain himself. He took off his glasses and smirked.

“Oh, my God, man,” Towns said.

Hart then credited his former coach at Villanova, Jay Wright, for the analytics quote. When a reporter attempted to ask another question, Towns interrupted.

“Wait, hold up,” Towns said. “No, we’re not moving off of that.”

“That’s a great quote, man,” Hart told Towns.

“Oh, my God,” said Towns, putting his glasses back on.

The light-hearted exchange exemplified a loose team that is clicking at the right time. Towns finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds, his seventh double-double of this postseason, while Brunson had 19 points and a career playoff-high 14 assists. Mikal Bridges, who was teammates with Hart and Brunson at Villanova, added 19 points on 9 of 12 shooting.

Early in the second half, the game was tied. The Knicks then went on an 18-0 run that started with a Brunson 3 and Hart assist and ended with a Hart 3 and Brunson assist that put New York ahead 71-53. The Cavaliers cut their deficit to seven points with 8:59 remaining, but they couldn’t get any closer, as the Knicks won by double digits for the eighth time in their nine-game winning streak. During that stretch, the Knicks have won their games by an average of more than 23.5 points.

With Game 3 in Cleveland Saturday, the Cavaliers are looking win a second consecutive series after losing the first two games on the road, just as they did against the No. 1 seed Detroit Pistons in the conference semifinals. Still, they can’t be happy with how they played in New York, blowing a 22-point lead with less than eight minutes remaining in the opener and shooting 4 of 25 on 3’s in the final three quarters on Thursday. And if Hart is making shots like he did Thursday, it is going to be tough for the Cavaliers to pull off the upset.

As he walked into the press conference room, Hart carried a pizza box and took out a slice before handing it to a Knicks’ official. He then answered questions, joked with Towns and seemed happy. That hasn’t always been the case, even two hours earlier when he kept missing. He’s learning, though, but it’s still a process, even as the Knicks are six wins away from a title.

“I try to play with more joy and more grace,” Hart said. “I don’t really celebrate when I score or make a good pass and stuff like that. And I kick myself probably a little bit too much when I miss shots or make turnovers. I think I started to learn to play the game and give myself more grace and not try to be perfect. I’m happy with that.”