The New York Knicks came away with a 121-117 win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday in Game 1 of the second round, and Josh Hart played all 48 minutes in the game, continuing the trend of not sitting much or at all in these playoffs. Hart was then asked what makes him tired, and as usual, he had a funny response.

“My wife arguing with me. That makes me extremely tired,” Josh Hart said, via Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.

Hart had a great Game 1 against the Pacers, and his efforts kept the Knicks in the game, which made it possible for Jalen Brunson to be the hero down the stretch with many clutch shots. Donte DiVincenzo also hit a huge three-point shot to give the Knicks the lead as well. In the game, Hart shot 9-of-13 from the field and hit his one three-point attempt. He put up 24 points with 13 rebounds and eight assists.

Hart's style of play could thrive in this series for the Knicks due to how the Pacers want to play. Indiana is a fast-paced team, and Hart is good on the fast break as well with the ball in his hands. He also is good from a rebounding standpoint on both ends of the floor, which is something the Pacers can struggle with at times. That will be a key part of this series as we move on from Game 1.

The Knicks were beneficiaries of some questionable calls down the stretch, mainly a kicked ball that should not have been called, and a controversial offensive foul that was drawn by Donte DiVincenzo on a screen. But the Knicks do not care, as there were some other calls throughout the game that arguably went against them. They will look to take a 2-0 series lead with another win at home on Wednesday.

Knicks' recipe for success vs Pacers

Feb 1, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

For much of the game, the Knicks seemed to be in trouble, struggling with the pace of Indiana, especially on defense. Hart did enough throughout the game to keep it within reach, and then the Knicks closed the gap and eventually took the lead in the fourth quarter.

Jalen Brunson will obviously need to keep doing what he is doing. He scored 43 points with six rebounds and six assists in the game. With Julius Randle out for these playoffs, Brunson has to keep taking on the brunt of the scoring load. It is a lot to ask, but Brunson has shown that he is capable of doing it to this point.

With the speed the Pacers play with, the Knicks' short rotation will be tested in a long series. Getting a win in Game 1 after a good amount went wrong is a positive for New York.