New York Knicks guard Josh Hart openly acknowledged his struggles and responsibility amid a challenging shift to a bench role during the team’s 2025 Eastern Conference Finals series. The Knicks, aiming to advance deeper into the playoffs, found themselves eliminated after a decisive 17-point loss to the Indiana Pacers, with Hart grappling with both his performance and the impact of his new role.
Hart’s Bench Role and Its Effect on Knicks’ Playoff Prospects
Head coach Tom Thibodeau first made the controversial decision to remove Josh Hart from the starting lineup in Game 3 of the East Finals, a shift that initially helped the Knicks secure a valuable victory in Indiana led by Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson. Thibodeau stayed consistent in bringing Hart off the bench for the remaining games, but the move did not yield the same results afterward.
Hart struggled throughout the series to regain his usual rhythm, particularly against the Pacers’ pressure defense. He averaged only 8.3 points during the series, with his lowest output coming in the final game where he managed just six points on 1-for-6 shooting. His defensive contributions also dwindled, as he grabbed six rebounds but was largely ineffective elsewhere on the court. This downturn was a critical factor as the Knicks’ playoff hopes dissolved with tonight’s blowout loss.
After the season-ending defeat, Hart took a harsh look at his own performance, admitting,
“I don’t know man. I failed the team. I didn’t bring it how I should have, especially in this series. If I played better, it could’ve been a different situation.”
—Josh Hart
Hart’s admission underscored his frustration and disappointment, revealing how deeply he felt responsible for the team’s early postseason exit.
How Hart Described His Performance Struggles Amid Role Change
Throughout the series, Hart reflected on the difficulties caused by his sudden demotion from the starting lineup, a role he had held consistently throughout both the regular season and earlier playoff rounds. The abrupt change appeared to disrupt his playing style and confidence, leaving him visibly off his game, particularly in handling turnovers.
He explained,
“I don’t know. I just, for me, I don’t know I just felt like I couldn’t, playing hard, trying to find IT. Whatever ‘IT’ is. I think I didn’t play how I normally play. There were some games I had 3-4 turnovers. I let that cause me to kind of get out of my game and be a little more passive and not… Cause obviously you know how costly turnovers are.”
—Josh Hart
Turnovers became a significant issue for Hart, contributing to his frustration and performance decline. His inability to maintain his usual aggressive play compounded the Knicks’ offensive inconsistencies, weakening their chances in critical moments.
Hart’s Perspective: Embracing the Bench Role by Choice
Despite speculation that being benched undermined Hart’s effectiveness, he clarified that the decision to come off the bench was mutual and largely initiated by himself. Hart revealed that he and coach Thibodeau agreed on the change, especially down 0-2 in the series, as a strategic adjustment.
He noted,
“It was something that I’ve had in the back of my mind, and I’ve always wanted to do. Down 0-2, especially with how (Robinson) played last game, that was something that we had to do. And obviously, that’s a group decision that really boils down to Thibs and myself.”
—Josh Hart
Hart further emphasized his comfort level with the decision, stating,
“It was never going to be a tough day for me because I had a hand in that decision. When I’m in a decision like that and kind of got the ball rolling on that, it was funny. Y’all are scrambling, trying to get answers, and I never really cared because it was kind of my decision. I was comfortable with it.”
—Josh Hart
While Hart accepted responsibility for the choice, the results on the court still fell short of expectations. His performance struggled to meet the standards required to carry the Knicks deeper into the playoffs.
Health Issues Compounded Hart’s Playoff Challenges
Adding another layer to Hart’s difficulties was his physical condition during the series. Veteran reporter Ian Begley reported that Hart suffered a dislocated finger late in Game 6, an injury he played through in an effort to support his team. This ailment likely hampered his abilities and contributed to his diminished output, raising questions about how his health affected his overall impact on the series.
Implications of Hart’s Playoff Struggles for Knicks’ Future
The Knicks’ early exit from the playoffs highlights several issues, including the effectiveness of coaching adjustments and player adaptability under pressure. Hart’s candid self-assessment underscores the intense pressure players face during critical moments and the physical and mental challenges that come with sudden role changes.
As Hart reflects on his postseason performance, the Knicks face decisions about rotations and how best to utilize his skills moving forward. The team’s future playoff success may depend on how well they integrate Hart’s abilities while managing health and role stability.
This playoff run, marked by frustration and missed opportunities, serves as a learning experience. If Josh Hart can recover from this setback and regain his consistency, the Knicks may improve their chances in upcoming seasons. Conversely, the lingering questions about bench roles and injury management will remain important discussion points as the team reshapes its strategies.