The New York Knicks did it again, pulling out a hard-fought Game 4 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. In the middle of it all was Josh Hart, who put forth a terrific all-around performance on both ends of the court in the 102-93 win.
Hart finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. He had several crucial offensive rebounds in the fourth quarter that led to clutch baskets. Plus, Hart played a key role in hounding Donovan Mitchell into a wretched 5-of-18 shooting game.
But wait, there's more! Hart also provided some entertainment by singing Journey on the bench:
"I would not play basketball if I could sing. If I could sing bro, I'm going on tour!"
Josh Hart trying to sing along to Journey's 'Don't Stop Believin' špic.twitter.com/Gd35qcAla1
ā ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 23, 2023
What can't Josh Hart do?
The Knicks acquired Hart from the Portland Trail Blazers ahead of the trade deadline, and it has turned out to be a marvelous move. Hart is a Tom Thibodeau favorite, as evidenced by this:
"I can play 48 [minutes] if you want me to!"
Josh Hart to Tom Thibodeau during the timeout š„pic.twitter.com/6OKbWnP6Dw
ā ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 23, 2023
Hart didn't play 48 minutes in this game, but he did hit the 40-minute mark. And thanks to his terrific contributions, Knicks fans are loving him:
My grandma knows ball pic.twitter.com/RyibhS3EW6
ā Jack Tien-Dana (@jtiendana) April 23, 2023
āI could play 48 if you want me toā@joshhart LIFETIME CONTRACT NOW pic.twitter.com/x4SIko1OJe
ā The Knicks Wall (@TheKnicksWall) April 23, 2023
I love love looooove Josh Hart
ā The Knicks Wall (@TheKnicksWall) April 23, 2023
HART SCORES ON THE BREAK!
MSG GOING BESERK pic.twitter.com/mpffKEJg6J
ā x-Knicks Film School (@KnickFilmSkool) April 23, 2023
Josh mother fucking ALL HART!
ā Jerry Ferrara (@jerryferrara) April 23, 2023
knicks fans are going to construct a josh hart statue outside msg by the end of the week
ā Robby Kalland (@RKalland) April 23, 2023
If you do a Twitter search for āHart statue,ā you'll see endless Knicks fans talking about building him one. They've fallen in love with this guy, and for good reason.
New York is now just one win away from its first playoff series win since the 2013 season. The Knicks have shockingly taken it to Donovan Mitchell and the Cavs, but now they'll have to finish the job. The first opportunity will be in Game 5 on Wednesday back in Cleveland.