
Josh Hart Ready to Embrace Bench Role for Knicks in Bold Game 3 Move
2025-05-25
Author: Ling
In a bold move ahead of Game 3 against the Pacers, Josh Hart is all for the possibility of joining the bench if Coach Tom Thibodeau decides to start Mitchell Robinson. This marks a potential shift for Hart, who hasn’t played off the bench all season.
"I’ve done it all – been a 15th man and a starter, so I’m ready for whatever," Hart stated at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday morning. "I believe I've played remarkably this season, and if a lineup change happens, I'm on board. Sacrifice is part of the team dynamic, and I wouldn't be true to my word if I resisted this change."
After a tough Game 2, Hart emphasized the need for the Knicks to find ways for Robinson to contribute more significantly, stating that everyone must be willing to compromise for the team’s success.
The Knicks' starting group struggled in Game 2, falling to an early 15-5 deficit before Robinson entered the game. In his 29 minutes of play, Robinson made a crucial impact with six points, nine rebounds, and three blocks.
Hart, however, admitted to experiencing low energy in the last game, recording merely six points on three shots amid early foul trouble that limited his time on the court.
When asked about the need for a drastic change after two consecutive home-game losses, Hart light-heartedly suggested fans go ask Thibodeau directly. Yet he acknowledged the pressing issue, calling for a significant boost in energy and competitiveness from the team.
"We’ve got to elevate our intensity, especially at the start. Teams like the Pacers can capitalize on any early missteps, so we need to come out firing," Hart asserted. As the series unfolds, the Knicks are looking to reignite their playoff momentum, having previously boasted a strong road record this postseason.