It hasn’t been pretty at times, but the New York Knicks are up 2-0 in their first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. New York picked up two gritty victories, both of the comeback variety, at Madison Square Garden to take the commanding series lead.
With Games 3 and 4 shifting over to Philadelphia, the Knicks know they will have their hands full. Friendly whistles are expected for the 76ers after the NBA’s Two Minute Report revealed several calls going against the Sixers which would have likely resulted in them coming away with a Game 2 victory.
Philadelphia point guard Tyrese Maxey, who has torched the Knicks, isn’t interested in what-ifs. He knows his team still had opportunities to win the game despite the poor officiating and they were unable to seal the deal.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Josh Hart, 2024 NBA Playoffs, New York Knicks Updates
If they had a player who performed like Josh Hart did in the first two games, the 76ers would assuredly be up 2-0 in this series. To this point, Hart has been the unsung hero for the Knicks, doing everything needed to help his team win.
With Jalen Brunson struggling offensively, Hart has stepped up. Part of the 76ers’ game plan defensively is just leaving Hart open on the perimeter and he has made them pay. He has knocked down four 3-pointers in each game while scoring 22 and 21 points.
Another Achilles heel of the 76ers’ game plan is Hart is free to crash the offensive glass. Keeping him off the boards is hard enough when a body is put on him, but with a free run at the rim, he is creating havoc.
Hart has grabbed eight offensive rebounds in two games and 28 total. Despite being listed at only 6’4”, Hart is the leading rebounder in the series through the first two games. That has led to him making some impressive NBA history.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Josh Hart, 2024 NBA Playoffs, New York Knicks Updates
Through two games of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Hart is averaging 14+ rebounds and 4+ 3-pointers. He is in a league of his own with that production, as no other player in NBA history has reached those averages in the first two games of the postseason.
Hart is making an impact in every facet of the game. It is certainly possible, and very much likely, that the Knicks would be down 2-0 in this series without him. His performances have the fan base and franchise buzzing, as they are winning games without their star playing up to his potential.
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