The New York Knicks took a 2-0 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers last Thursday, sealing a 109-93 win that showed how much control they have gained.
Josh Hart was right at the heart of it. He finished with 26 points and seven assists, the highest-scoring playoff game of his career.
But the performance stood out not just for the numbers. It also showed why New York become harder to handle whenever Hart finds rhythm.
Josh Hart stat underlines why his scoring lifts the Knicks
There is a widely shared stat making the rounds that says the Knicks are unbeaten this season when Hart scores at least 20 points, holding a 9-0 record, according to ESPN.
The point is clear: when Hart is a scoring threat, New York look like a different team.
He is not usually asked to lead the offence. His value shows up more in rebounding, defensive work, transition play and the minutes that hold lineups together.
That is what made his performance against Cleveland so important. He hit five threes, taking advantage of the Cavaliers’ focus elsewhere, while all five Knicks starters contributed.
Hart’s Game 2 line also included four rebounds and two steals, underlining another complete two-way effort.
Through the first two games of the series, he averaged 19.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists, numbers that reflect his wider impact.
The Knicks do not need Hart to be their main scorer. But when he is aggressive, defending and moving the ball, their formula becomes much harder to crack.
