The New York Knicks have started the NBA Finals with authority, taking the first two games on the road against the San Antonio Spurs. Even so, Josh Hart is refusing to treat the series as anything close to finished, stressing that the mindset inside the locker room remains unchanged: the series is still “0-0.”
Game 2 ended in a dramatic 105–104 Knicks win, with Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges carrying the scoring load by combining for 61 points. While those three powered the offense, Hart once again contributed in quieter but crucial ways, finishing with six rebounds and four assists despite not scoring.
His impact throughout the series has come from hustle plays and intangibles. In Game 1, Hart scored just three points but still dominated other areas of the game with 15 rebounds and six assists, setting the tone for New York’s physical edge and energy.
The series now shifts to Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks will play Games 3 and 4 in front of their home crowd. The atmosphere is expected to be intense, giving New York a potential advantage as they look to extend its lead. However, the Spurs are expected to respond with urgency after failing to protect homecourt.
Hart has been clear that complacency is not an option, pointing out that San Antonio will bring increased energy and desperation moving forward. For him, the focus is on execution, effort, and maintaining discipline rather than thinking about a sweep.
While the Knicks are in a strong position to control the series, Hart’s steady, no-nonsense approach reflects the team’s broader identity as they aim to close in on an NBA championship.