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New York Knicks’ Josh Hart is the Ultimate Hustle Player
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Hart of the New York Knicks is one of the most unique players in the NBA. He is the kind of player that every successful team has on their roster and in their rotation as he is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win.

That versatility and drive to win was on full display in the Knicks’ first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Listed as a guard at 6’4”, Hart has been playing more forward for the team with injuries depleting the frontcourt throughout the season.

It wasn’t something that he was thrilled about earlier in the season, voicing his displeasure. But, once the ball is tipped off, Josh Hart is locked in, ready, willing and able to overcome whatever challenge or task it is that New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau places in front of him.

There are qualities that Hart possesses that you just cannot teach. He plays with 100 percent effort and energy every time he steps on the court, as his motor is unmatched in the NBA. As star point guard Jalen Brunson comically said, Hart brings cardio to the starting five.

That was certainly the case against the 76ers. As shared by NBA University on X, Josh Hart was non-stop movement on the court. He provided the team with hustle that Philadelphia was not consistently matching, tilting what was an uber-competitive series in favor of New York.

According to NBA University, Hart led the NBA Playoffs in the first round with 13 loose balls recovered. He was well-traveled, playing into the cardio comment made by Brunson, leading the postseason with 107,711 feet traveled. Josh Hart also tied for the lead with 22 offensive rebounds.

That hustle and effort play is what separated the New York Knicks from the 76ers, as the difference in points scored in the series was 650-649. One less loose ball or offensive rebounded corralled by Josh Hart could have meant the 76ers winning another game and forcing a Game 7.

Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. Not only did Hart make all of the hustle plays for New York, he hit the dagger 3-pointer to help them win Game 6 with 25.1 seconds remaining to give the Knicks a 3-point lead late.

This article first appeared on Viral Sports News and was syndicated with permission.

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