Josh Hart didn’t need to speak. His performance spoke volumes at Madison Square Garden.
After a quiet outing in Golden State, fans saw his true potential as he achieved his eighth triple-double of the season, leading the Knicks to a 116-95 victory over the struggling Miami Heat.
“Josh was a monster,” said coach Tom Thibodeau, and it was easy to see why. Hart recorded 12 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists, and made four steals, tying him with Knicks legend Walt Frazier for the franchise record of triple-doubles in a season.
“It’s a blessing to be mentioned alongside a legend like Frazier,” Hart shared, reflecting on his journey and achievements with humility. “I won’t be in many record books when I’m done, so this means a lot.”
Returning from a West Coast trip, the Knicks (43-24) showed their strength against the Heat, especially in a dominant third quarter where they outscored Miami 41-15.
Mikal Bridges led the scoring with 28 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 23 points and seven rebounds, demonstrating their offensive depth even without star player Jalen Brunson, who missed another game due to injury.
The Heat (29-39), who have now lost eight straight games, started strong but couldn’t maintain their momentum. They jumped to a quick lead, reminiscent of the squad that knocked the Knicks out of the playoffs two years ago. However, Towns turned the tide early in the second quarter with an explosive run.
“He gave us life,” Thibodeau remarked about Towns’ performance, highlighting the impact players can make in crucial moments.
After starting slowly, Towns scored 15 points in just over three minutes, showcasing his versatility with both inside scoring and deep three-pointers. “If I was one step over half-court, I was shooting it,” Towns admitted confidently.
Even though Miami held a narrow lead at halftime, the Knicks quickly regained control in the second half. Strong defense and a relentless offense paved the way for a convincing win. They forced 20 turnovers and limited Miami’s shooting from beyond the arc to just 26%.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra acknowledged the challenge, saying, “They’ve been defending. That’s the story right now.” This highlights the Knicks’ improved defensive strategies, which are paying off as they build momentum for the rest of the season.
This win marks a significant stride for the Knicks as they prepare to face a series of teams currently under .500, and they aim to capitalize on this momentum as the playoffs loom.
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