Josh Hart accepted his move to the bench in Game 3 against the Pacers with maturity and leadership, revealing it was a decision he helped initiate. The Knicks forward prioritized winning over ego.
When the New York Knicks needed a spark to turn the tide in their playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, Josh Hart proved once again why he’s one of the most selfless players in the league.
In a pivotal Game 3, head coach Tom Thibodeau shook things up by altering the starting five. The revised lineup featured Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mitchell Robinson, with Hart moving to the bench for the first time after starting all 77 games he played during the regular season.
The decision, however, didn’t ruffle Hart’s feathers—in fact, it had his full support.
A Leader’s Mentality: “I Had a Hand in That Decision”
Rather than react with frustration or disappointment, Hart showed the kind of leadership that playoff teams need. Speaking candidly after the game, he revealed that the lineup change was not only expected—it was something he helped suggest.
“It was never going to be a tough day for me because I had a hand in that decision,” Hart explained. “When I’m in a decision like that and kind of got the ball rolling on that, it was funny, y’all are scrambling, trying to get answers and I never really cared. Because it was kind of my decision. I was comfortable with it.”
Hart’s willingness to put the team first highlights the maturity and perspective that have made him such a valuable asset to the Knicks, both on and off the court.
Strategic Adjustment Pays Off
The change wasn’t just symbolic—it served a clear tactical purpose. Inserting Mitchell Robinson into the starting lineup alongside Towns gave the Knicks a size and defensive edge that helped contain Indiana’s frontcourt and crash the boards with authority. The move contributed to a huge comeback victory, as New York erased a 20-point deficit and reclaimed momentum in the series.
Coming off the bench, Hart still made a major impact, nearly recording a double-double with 8 points and 10 rebounds, and bringing his usual energy, toughness, and hustle—regardless of his spot in the rotation.
Team Over Self: Hart’s Mindset Reflects Playoff Focus
In the high-stakes atmosphere of the NBA Playoffs, ego can sometimes derail chemistry. But Josh Hart continues to prove that he’s the kind of player every contender needs: willing to sacrifice personal accolades for team success.
As the Knicks prepare for Game 4 with the series now wide open, one thing is clear—Hart’s humility and leadership are as crucial as any stat line.
