Josh Hart said before Tuesday’s game that he didn’t expect to play 40 minutes or more for a 10th consecutive game because of OG Anunoby’s injury return, and he was absolutely correct.
Hart’s playing time was sort of reduced to just 39:06 in the Knicks’ 106-79 win over the Sixers, barely ending his string of nine straight over 40 minutes, and falling 54 seconds shy of becoming the first NBA player since James Harden in 2016 to do it 10 consecutive games.
Hart was removed with 5:55 to go in the blowout, also likely costing him the first 20-rebound game of his career.
He still finished the game with 20 points, a career-high tying 19 boards and 10 assists, his fourth triple-double of the season.
“That would [have been] nice. But Thomas Thibodeau wanted to take me out of the game,” Hart said with a smile after the game. “Everyone complained about me playing 40 minutes. I could have gotten my 20-20 game, but he took me out. So, appreciate it, Thomas.”
The Garden crowd certainly appreciated Hart’s efforts, giving him a rousing ovation when he was removed in the fourth quarter, and he responded by pumping his fist several times when shown on the scoreboard.
“He’s gonna gimme grief about something, so it goes in one ear, out the other,” Thibodeau said. “But he was terrific, and he plays to win, and that’s what I love about him.”
Jalen Brunson’s father, assistant coach Rick Brunson, was on the Knicks in 2000, the last time the franchise held three straight opponents under 80 points.
Asked what type of effort that takes, 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 resume full contact on the dislocated right shoulder he suffered on Jan. 27.
Asked if there’s any timetable for Randle to start taking contact, Thibodeau replied: “No, it’s the medical team, him, just keep working at it, do all you can. The rehab [sessions] are your games right now. And that’s what he’s doing. … It’s [about] him feeling better. You’ve got 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.