Josh Hart is usually the device and engine of the Knicks. But after an injury in preseason, he hasn’t been his usual self.
He missed the last four preseason games with lower back spasms and then missed their season-opening win over the Cavaliers. Hart made his debut in Friday’s win over the Celtics.
In Sunday’s loss at Miami, Hart played 29 minutes and recorded six points, five rebounds, five assists and one steal, along with three turnovers.
He is just 3-for-13 from the field in the two games and has missed all five of his three-point attempts.
“I honestly think for me it’s more a matter of trying to get some air,” Hart said after Sunday’s loss. “Today was tough in terms of energy and stuff like that, obviously I was down [Miles McBride] hurt us in terms of, that’s a guy who can knock down shots, pick up the ball and push the tempo. So on a day like this, when I don’t have it and I’m still trying to get my legs into it, someone like that is perfect for me to say, ‘You know what? Come get me. Deuce, get in.”
“It’s learning and growing for me, but mostly trying to get my legs under me. There were a lot of possessions where I mentally thought, ‘I have to get out of here,’ and then I was one step too slow.”
Hart is also adjusting to a new role on the bench.
He started all 77 regular-season games he played in last year before Mitchell Robinson replaced him in the starting lineup toward the end of the postseason.
Robinson (left ankle injury manager) is not yet eligible this year, but coach Mike Brown stuck to his plan to use Hart as a bench player and instead insert McBride and Ariel Hukporti into the starting lineup.
Robinson was ruled out again for Tuesday’s game in Milwaukee. Karl-Anthony Towns (right quad strain) and Guerschon Yabusele (left knee sprain) are questionable.
McBride, who missed Sunday’s loss for personal reasons, is also doubtful.
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