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Tim Bontemps
NEW YORK — Subsequent to Josh Hart experiencing what was undeniably his most impactful performance of the current season — contributing 14 points along with securing 9 rebounds and providing 3 assists — in a 128-113 New York Knicks triumph over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday evening, the versatile forward conceded there exists a challenge he is presently encountering:
Achieving complete sensation in his right (shooting) hand.
“Indeed, the nerve has not entirely recovered to its pre-existing state,” Hart acknowledged in the vicinity of his locker following the game. “Consequently, there is a slight sensation of tingling, accompanied by partial numbness in my hand.”
“Ideally, the nerve will eventually revert to its original condition. Hopefully, this restoration will occur in the near future, but currently, it is an ongoing process.”
This process has contributed to Hart’s relatively subdued commencement to the season for the Knicks (3-3). After being absent from the season’s inaugural contest due to a back ailment — which also sidelined him for the concluding weeks of the preseason after a brief appearance in New York’s initial exhibition game in Abu Dhabi — Hart collectively amassed 11 points on 4-for-19 shooting (including 1-for-10 from beyond the 3-point arc) throughout his initial quartet of games for the Knicks.
However, Hart articulated that his mindset as he approached Sunday’s encounter against Chicago revolved around intentionally disregarding those previous struggles and concentrating on the attributes that have endeared him to the New York fanbase: exhibiting unwavering determination and enthusiasm.
“Personally, I am navigating a period of adversity, encompassing both physical and mental aspects. Therefore, my primary objective today was to venture onto the court and exhibit unwavering enthusiasm,” Hart stated. “Simply returning to my authentic self.”
While shooting accuracy remains an area for improvement — he converted 1 of 4 attempts from 3-point range on Sunday — Hart’s vigor and relentless pursuit were conspicuously evident during Sunday’s game.
“I witnessed the true Josh Hart,” remarked teammate and confidant Jalen Brunson, who spearheaded the Knicks’ scoring efforts with 31 points following Sunday’s game. “The individual we recognize and cherish.”
Hart has openly discussed his ongoing management of an injury affecting his right index finger, an injury he initially sustained during the playoffs and subsequently exacerbated shortly before the commencement of training camp.
However, he has explicitly dismissed the prospect of undergoing surgical intervention, opting instead to attempt to persevere through the issue. Furthermore, he is adapting to a revised role within the Knicks’ framework this season, transitioning from a starting role under the guidance of former coach Tom Thibodeau to a dedicated bench role under his successor, Mike Brown.
For his part, Brown conveyed that he was unaware of Hart experiencing nerve-related complications in his hand, instead acknowledging Hart for both persevering through the injury and diligently striving to regain his optimal performance level after an extended period of absence from preparatory activities with a new coaching staff and an evolved offensive strategy.
“This information is new to me,” Brown stated in reference to Hart’s issues. “[VP of Sports Medicine] Casey [Smith] has provided the utmost support, and Josh has reciprocated. He tallied 14 points and secured 9 rebounds tonight; if he is fully healthy, ‘Oh my goodness. Be on alert.’
“He is performing admirably. Again, he has been sidelined for a considerable duration, and he is actively endeavoring to catch up, which he is accomplishing with commendable success for us.”
