Josh Hart insists the Knicks are not chasing payback in their rematch with the Indiana Pacers.
The New York guard spoke to media ahead of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals and dismissed any notion that the series is about revenge for last season’s playoff loss.
“Another year, another series,” Hart said. “They’re going to make it into a revenge thing or something like that. But half the team didn’t play last year. It’s a totally different team, totally different situation.”
New York advanced to its first East Finals since 2000 after dispatching the Detroit Pistons in six games and then knocking out the defending champion Boston Celtics in another six-game series.
Hart emphasized the team’s focus isn’t on past grudges but on Indiana’s depth and high-powered offense.
“They’re an extremely talented team whose offense is clicking at all cylinders right now,” he said. “We just got to make sure we’re ready.”
When asked about the Pacers’ actions following last year’s series—including Tyrese Haliburton wearing a Reggie Miller sweatshirt and Myles Turner taunting Knicks fans—Hart didn’t express resentment.
“If you win, you can really just kind of do what you want,” he said. “Everybody embraces the spotlight differently. It stuck with me for a little bit, but I gave everything I possibly could have given.”
Hart praised head coach Tom Thibodeau for adapting during the postseason and shutting down criticism about his coaching style.
“Everyone gives him a label and they just run with that label,” he said. “But the last two series show his ability to adapt and change when necessary.”
He also detailed how New York has raised its communication level defensively, pointing to better rotations and in-game adjustments.
“When guys are tired, ask for a sub,” Hart explained. “Trust everybody. Communicate at a high level. That’s what it takes.”
The matchup between Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton will be a focal point in the series. Hart recognized the contrast in styles and the stakes.
“They’re two of the best point guards not just in the East but in the league,” he said. “JB’s a scoring guard. Tyrese runs that offense, gets guys involved, pushes the pace. It’s going to be a chess game.”
New York will enter the series with a 51-31 record, while Indiana, who defeated the Cavaliers and Bucks in back-to-back series, finished the regular season at 50-32.
Despite knocking off the East’s top seed, Hart said the Knicks have kept their goals steady throughout the postseason.
“For us it was always next game, next series, be the best team you can be at the end of the season,” he said. “We’re not focused on one opponent or being on top of the world.”
