Josh Hart set the tone after the New York Knicks’ 114-98 win over the Atlanta Hawks in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference playoff series at State Farm Arena.
“We got to be ready to have that sense of urgency from the beginning,” Hart said, pointing directly to New York’s mindset after dropping two games earlier in the series.
Hart stressed that the Knicks “put ourselves in this position” and responded by increasing physicality on both ends of the floor. “Digging in and taking the challenge,” he said, describing the team’s defensive approach.
New York limited Atlanta to just seven fast-break points, a detail Hart linked to effort and transition discipline. “We won the 50/50 ball battle 11 to 19,” he added, framing hustle plays as a key separator.
The Knicks guard also warned against complacency after the win. “We got to not be satisfied with this but continue to build off it,” Hart said, keeping focus on Game 5.
Hart highlighted Karl-Anthony Towns’ usage as a playmaking hub, noting how the offense must stay structured. “We have to make sure that we do a great job of finding him when he’s open,” he said, referencing Towns’ triple-double impact.
He also pointed to offensive balance and decision-making. “Score the ball at a high level, find guys open,” Hart said, emphasizing consistent execution rather than isolation-heavy possessions.
New York’s pace was another focal point. Hart acknowledged the difference from previous games. “I feel like the last couple games we even played a little slower,” he said, adding that quicker decisions reduce pressure against set defenses.
Defensively, Hart described his own assignment work and effort level. “Taking that challenge upon myself,” he said, referencing his matchup responsibilities and activity on ball pressure.
Hart also reinforced the Knicks’ game plan flexibility depending on opponents. “We have to make sure we come in Game 5 with an even better sense of urgency and physicality,” he said, pointing toward the next adjustment point in the series.
The Knicks now head back to Madison Square Garden with the series tied 2-2, carrying momentum from a wire-to-wire performance that featured strong ball movement and improved transition defense.
Hart’s message remained consistent throughout: urgency, physicality, and continuous pressure. “You can’t go into the game feeling like, okay, we had a great game,” he said, keeping the focus on the next contest rather than the result in Atlanta.
Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday in New York, where both teams will look to take control of the series.
