New York Knicks forward Josh Hart delivered a blunt assessment ahead of Game 3 of their first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, stressing physicality and sustained focus over the full 48 minutes.
Hart said the Knicks must set the tone early and maintain it throughout the game. “Just go out there and when the game starts, we know we’ve had bumps in the road in the playoffs,” he said.
He emphasized that Atlanta will not ease off, pointing to the competitive nature of the series. “We don’t expect them to lay down and quit. So you got to go out there with physicality, sense of urgency,” Hart said.
The forward highlighted a drop in intensity during Game 2 of the series so far. “In Game 2, I don’t feel like we had that physicality that we did in game one and in the first quarter, first half,” he said.
Hart explained the tactical consequence of losing that edge. “When you lose that physicality, you allow them to move at their own pace and dictate instead of you dictating,” he said.
Rebounding and defensive execution remain key focus points for New York. “You’ve got to make sure we’re physical, have attention to detail and focus for a full 48,” Hart added.
He also reflected on Game 2, where New York let a lead slip. “We should have won. Watching the film, you realize that,” Hart said.
Hart pointed to small execution errors that changed the outcome. “Just small areas where you had a little bit of slippage that affects the total outcome of the game,” he said.
The Knicks forward stressed urgency without framing Game 3 as a reset. “I wouldn’t say reset necessarily… it’s just reinforcing what we know we have to do,” he said.
Hart also described New York’s collective mindset. “We don’t care about points, touches, minutes, anything like that. We’re focused on winning the game,” he said.
He credited the team’s chemistry and shared sacrifice. “When you have a collective group of guys who are willing to sacrifice for the betterment of the team, that’s where special things happen,” Hart said.
On game flow, Hart warned about momentum swings against a playoff-tested opponent. “They can go on a run and cut it to four, and you just got to make sure you’re focused and locked in to punch back,” he said.
Defensively, Hart underlined the need for communication and support. “We got to make sure we have his back and we’re talking to him when he’s on those isolations,” he said.
He also addressed adjustments and in-game reactions as key playoff factors. “You got to be able to react on the fly,” Hart said.
Hart closed with a direct mindset on preparation. “Embrace everything. It’s the playoffs, dog,” he said. “I’m already focused on what we have to do to win.”
