NEW YORK — The Knicks welcomed their new Hart & Soul.
Josh Hart was the intense and galvanizing presence as advertised in his Knicks debut Saturday night, coming off the bench and finishing with winning plays to toss away the Jazz, 126-120.
The guard played 26 minutes, including the entire fourth quarter, and stuffed the hustle stats: four steals, four assists, four offensive rebounds, eight boards overall. He added 11 points and his 3-pointer with 1:32 remaining served as the dagger.
One day after folding in the fourth quarter in Philly, the Knicks closed exquisitely at MSG by winning all the loose balls and with Hart exhibiting his high-energy style. Jalen Brunson (38 points) and Jullius Randle (31) combined for 69 points.
“I’m a dog,” Hart said during his post-game on-court interview, as the Garden crowd showered cheers. “I’m going to do whatever it takes. That’s me.”
Hart’s arrival meant Miles McBride, the second-year defensive-minded guard, was removed from the rotation and collected a DNP. It also cut time from starter Quentin Grimes, who failed to log 30 minutes for just the second time in his last 31 appearances.
And the new formula worked.
Hart came as advertised with a tenacious attitude toward defense and rebounding helped keep the fast-paced Jazz (28-30) at bay. There were moments that didn’t show up in the box score, like with 2:18 remaining and the Knicks up by 6. Hart contested a rebound and forced the Jazz to deflect it out of bounds, giving New York extra possession that turned into a Randle dunk. That was part of a 14-4 run in the fourth quarter that buried Utah.
It was Hart’s first game at MSG since grabbing 19 rebounds for the Blazers in November.
“I should have had 20. I fouled out,” Hart joked. “Jalen gave me three damn fouls that game. So I’m a guy that’s gonna bring it every night. I’m a guy that’s gonna be physical. I’m a guy that’s gonna do the dirty work. Going to rebound, going to defend. Get on the floor for a loose ball and do those kind of things. I feel like that style fits every team, especially a New York team. That’s what this city is about and what the city builds off of. I take that with pride. I’m just a blue-collar guy; I think that’s really going to work well here.”
Hart, who was acquired Thursday for Cam Reddish and a first-round pick, scored within 20 seconds of getting subbed in for the first time in the opening quarter. That was a free throw. Twenty seconds later, Hart’s first field goal arrived off an assist from Brunson, who was also his teammate at Villanova.
Hart has enjoyed playing at the Garden. His first time as a Knick was an impressive experience.
“S---, did I like [playing at the Garden]? I loved it, man,” Hart said. “Everyone loves playing in the Garden, man. Fortunately, I was able to play here with Nova playing St. Johns and playing in the Big East tournament. Everything just feels better. It feels different.
“The air is different. Every possession feels a little bit more intense. There’s a little bit more pop and oomph in yourself when you play in the Garden. To play a home game here, man, it’s gonna be great, so I’m excited. There’s no better venue, no better arena in the world than MSG. So, being able to suit up for home games in that, it’s amazing.”
