Josh Hart said before Tuesday’s game that he didn’t expect to play 40 minutes or more for a 10th straight game due to OG Anunoby’s injury return, and he was absolutely right.
Hart’s playing time was somehow reduced to just 39:06 Knicks win 106-79 against the Sixersbarely ending his streak of nine consecutive games in 40 minutes, and falling 54 seconds away from becoming the first NBA player since James Harden in 2016 to play 10 consecutive games.
Hart was taken down with 5:55 remaining in the blowout, likely costing him the first 20-rebound game of his career.
He still finished the game with a career-high 20 points to go along with 19 rebounds and 10 assists, his fourth triple-double of the season.
“Who would be [have been] Good. But Thomas Thibodeau wanted to take me out of the game,” Hart said with a smile after the game. “Everyone was complaining that I played 40 minutes. I could have gotten my match 20-20, but he eliminated me. So enjoy it, Thomas.
The Garden crowd certainly appreciated Hart’s efforts, giving him a rousing ovation when he was ejected in the fourth quarter, and he responded by raising his fist several times when displayed on the scoreboard.
“He’ll give me grief about something, so it goes in one ear and out the other,” Thibodeau said. “But he’s been great and he plays to win, and that’s what I like about him.”
Jalen Brunson’s father, assistant coach Rick Brunson, was with the Knicks in 2000, the last time the franchise held three straight opponents under 80 points.
When asked what kind of effort it took, Thibodeau deadpanned: “Obviously, a Brunson.”
Thibodeau’s pregame update on Julius Randle was that the All-Star power forward was “about the same,” meaning he’s still awaiting medical clearance to return to full contact on the dislocated right shoulder from which he suffered on January 27.
When asked if there was a timetable for Randle to begin making contact, Thibodeau said, “No, it’s the medical team, him, just keep working on it, do everything you can . Re-education [sessions] are your games right now. And that’s what he does. … It is [about] he feels better. You need to continue to strengthen the shoulder and go from there.
All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey scored 17 points for the Sixers after missing the previous four games with a concussion.
Joel Embiid (knee), Robert Covington (knee) and De’Anthony Melton (back) remained out.
