New York Knicks guard Josh Hart confirmed that his bench placement in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals was a decision he willingly accepted, prioritizing the team’s success over his individual role. In Sunday’s 106-100 victory against the Indiana Pacers, Hart demonstrated that winning matters more to him than starting or playing a set number of minutes.
Hart’s Perspective: Team Success Trumps Personal Status
Hart addressed concerns from friends and others who were surprised by his demotion, stating,
“It’s funny because people were texting me all day, asking if I’m OK,”
reflecting on the unexpected benching. He emphasized his lack of attachment to starting, saying,
“It’s like, I don’t care if I start. I don’t care if I play 20 minutes. If we win, we win.”
He further described the change as “kind of my decision,” highlighting his commitment to the collective goal rather than individual accolades. Hart emphasized that team achievements outweigh personal statistics or minutes on the court, explaining,
“Whoever won the championship five years ago, you have no idea who the starters are. You know that those guys won and they have that camaraderie and that connection for life.”
He added,
“It doesn’t matter how many points you score. It doesn’t matter how many minutes you play. It doesn’t matter if you start. It depends on if you win. And at the end of the day, that’s the most important thing for me.”
Coaching Adjustments and Hart’s Continued Impact on the Court
To respond to the series deficit, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau inserted center Mitchell Robinson into the starting lineup for Game 3, replacing Hart in the starting five. This lineup adjustment was significant, given how often Thibodeau had relied on a core starting group featuring Hart, Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby throughout the season.
Despite the official change, Hart’s role on the court remained substantial. He logged 34 minutes in the game—just slightly less than his average of 36.9 minutes prior to this matchup—and played the entire fourth quarter, while Robinson, who started the game, was on the floor for merely 36 seconds during the final period.
The decision signaled a strategic shift as the Knicks sought new ways to counter the Pacers, yet when the stakes were highest, Thibodeau relied heavily on the group he has trusted throughout the season. For Hart, accepting bench status was manageable so long as his presence and contributions did not substantially diminish.
Significance of Hart’s Choice for Knicks’ Team Dynamics
Hart’s willingness to accept a change in his starting status without impacting his effort underscores his dedication to team unity and success. His approach embodies a mindset that values winning above personal recognition, a crucial attitude for a team battling deep into the playoffs. This mindset, combined with Thibodeau’s tactical adjustments, could help the Knicks maintain cohesion and resilience as they aim to advance in the Eastern Conference Finals.