Josh Hart scored only three, but one sneaky play sealed Knicks’ game 1 win
· Yahoo Sports
Josh Hart only put up three points in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, but his impact went well beyond the scoreboard. His 15 rebounds, six assists and four steals helped the Knicks to a 105-95 win over the Spurs, giving them a 1-0 lead and home-court advantage.
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New York, seen as underdogs heading into San Antonio, came back from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter to claim their 12th straight playoff victory.
Hart played a key role in the turnaround by anchoring a strong defensive effort that slowed down the Spurs.
While Hart’s shooting numbers were hardly headline-worthy, the rest of his performance was undeniable. He posted 15 rebounds, six assists, four steals and a block, becoming the first player in NBA Finals history to hit those marks in a single game.
New York also outscored San Antonio by 22 points during his minutes – the highest plus-minus of any player by some distance.
Photo by Al Bello/Getty ImagesHart counters Spurs’ advantage on the boards
Victor Wembanyama finished with 12 rebounds, while Julian Champagnie chipped in with 10 for a Spurs side that was expected to dominate inside. But Hart, operating from the wing, helped the Knicks keep pace, as both teams finished with 60 rebounds.
His 13 defensive boards were a key factor in limiting San Antonio’s second-chance opportunities. Hart’s defensive impact took over in the second half. Champagnie, who hit five of six threes before the break, went cold after halftime, and Hart’s work in the passing lanes helped spark New York’s comeback.
His first steal of the fourth quarter led to a Brunson layup that put the Knicks up 92-86 with 6:34 remaining, and his last one set up Brunson again for a 15-foot jumper that effectively ended it with 38 seconds left. New York finished on an 11-0 run.
Key questions for Game 2
Wembanyama had 26 points and 12 rebounds in his Finals debut, but shot just 6-for-21 and turned it over six times, several of those coming from New York’s pressure defence.
San Antonio may look to pull Hart into more screen action or leave him in the corner, challenging his shot after an 0-for-3 night from distance. Letting him roam free allowed him to dominate the glass, disrupt passes, and influence the opener despite scoring just three points.
Even with his shooting struggles, Hart’s overall impact gives Mike Brown plenty of reason to keep him on the court. The Knicks now return to Texas with a 1-0 lead, looking ahead to Game 2 on Friday.
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