Josh Hart goes off on the New York Knicks after an unexpected loss against the Charlotte Hornets.
Let’s be fair, the New York Knicks had a phenomenal run during the first half of the season. However, some cracks are starting to widen for the organization as the season nears its conclusion.
Over the last few weeks, the Knicks have been handed some utterly unexpected defeats at the hands of struggling franchises in the NBA.
Add another one to that list as the Knicks recently suffered a 115-98 blowout defeat against the Charlotte Hornets. Yes, the same Hornets that are 14th in the Eastern Conference.
Josh Hart on the New York Knicks’ big concern
Josh Hart is usually tasked with bringing the energy for the Knicks. Hart’s role has become even more important since Jalen Brunson’s injury.
The Knicks veteran spoke on his failure to fulfill his job alongside a general big concern for the team.
“Mental toughness. That’s my big concern right now. We can make all the excuses in the world. There are highs and lows in the season, no one’s 82-0, but the way we’re losing games is embarrassing.
“We have to find a way to right the ship. We gotta come out next game with more intensity, desperation. Starts with myself, as someone who’s supposed to bring energy, I’ve been atrocious the last several weeks.
“We have to get our minds prepared for the end of the season.”
The Knicks have now fallen to a 43-26 record and currently face a two-game skid. On a positive note, they remain the third seed in the conference.
Josh Hart brushes off tough schedule’s impact on Knicks’ form
As a part of the regular season, many teams face a couple of weeks of brutal scheduling. The Knicks are going through it right now.
Despite that, Hart refused to blame the team’s poor form on travel fatigue.
“We can make excuses–terrible 2.5 weeks of travel–but all teams go through [that], not an excuse. If we’re right mentally, we win some of these games. But we’re not doing what it takes.
“Not doing the extra effort, giving energy, the right output, we’re crying to refs. We gotta pick it up.”
If the Knicks fail to make a deep postseason run, they will prove their doubters correct. After all, losing to bottom feeders in the West and East in back-to-back games is never a good look for a title contender.