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Josh Hart has primarily came off the bench for the New York Knicks this season.
The New York Knicks closed out the Atlanta Hawks in historic fashion, winning Game 6 with a huge margin of 51 points, the largest playoff win in franchise history.
Everyone pointed to OG Anunoby’s defense, Karl-Anthony Towns’ elbow game, and Jalen Brunson’s orchestration.
But the real turning point in this series happened behind closed doors, in a coaching room.
GettyGuard Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks
CJ McCollum was a nightmare through the first two games of this series. He was scoring at will 27 points per game, shooting 51% from the field and 39% from three.
The Knicks had no answer for him and McCollum was singlehandedly keeping Atlanta alive and dangerous.
Josh Hart saw it. And more importantly, Josh Hart wanted the assignment.
According to New York Post NBA reporter Stephen Bondy, who spoke to Hart one-on-one after Game 6: “He was basically like, he cooked us in games one and two — put me on him.”
Josh Hart told @SbondyNBA that he demanded to guard CJ McCollum after his big start to the series and it helped change the series.
McCollum’s first 3 games: 27 PPG, 51% FG, 39% 3FG
Last 3 games: 11.3 PPG, 40% FG, 10% 3FG
Watch here –> t.co/LmLIuspwxy
GettyJosh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks
What happened next is the part of this story that nobody was talking about coming out of Atlanta.
When the Knicks removed Hart from the McCollum matchup at the end of Game 3, Hart didn’t just accept it quietly. Per Bondy: “He said he cursed out one of the assistant coaches.”
Hart wasn’t done. To make absolutely sure the switch wouldn’t happen again, he took matters into his own hands at halftime of Game 4.
Bondy told the story directly: “Just to make sure that didn’t happen again, at halftime in Game 4, he just walked into the coach’s room and was like — don’t change this. I’m staying on him.”
GettyJalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks
Once Hart locked in on McCollum and the coaching staff committed to keeping that assignment, the series had a different feel entirely. The Knicks reeled off four straight wins after going down 0-2 in games.
The final game wasn’t even a contest a 51-point blowout that sent the Hawks home looking like they had no desire to be there anymore.
“By the end of it, the Knicks just owned the Hawks,” Bondy said. “Like it was just an outrageous game last night.”
OG Anunoby was brilliant throughout. Jordan Clarkson was a good source off the bench.
In the next round, whether it’s Boston or Philadelphia, the Knicks have the blueprint. The second round starts Monday. New York is ready.
Jayesh Pagar Jayesh Pagar is a writer at Heavy Sports, covering the New York Knicks and other NBA teams. He brings four years of experience across digital sports media, including NBA, WNBA, college basketball, and college football. He covered as the Knicks beat writer for ONSI and has written for PFSN, Sporting News, and ClutchPoints. More about Jayesh Pagar
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