It was on February 9, 2023, that the New York Knicks made a trade that has since proven to be consequential. In a four-team deal, the Knicks added Josh Hart. Many were skeptical if giving up a first round pick in the deal was a wise business decision. He had proven to be a good player, but New York was to be his fourth team in what was his then sixth season. The now 30-year-old has become a beloved figure by Knicks fans in what is currently his second full season with the club. On Tuesday, Josh Hart set a new single-season franchise record for triple-doubles.
Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns Help Rewrite Knicks Record Books
Josh Hart Now Has Most Triple-Doubles In A Season By A Knicks Player
The Knicks defeated the undermanned Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday by the score of 128-113. In the outing, Hart finished with another stellar all-around game of 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. That is his ninth triple-double of the season, setting a new Knicks franchise record.
The previous record holder is one of the most iconic players ever to don a Knicks jersey. That would be one of their current announcers on the MSG Network, Walt Frazier. The two-time champion recorded eight triple-doubles in the 1968-69 season, prior to winning his two rings in 1970 and 1973.
Another record that Hart could potentially surpass Frazier in at some point is most career triple-doubles with the Knicks. During his 10 seasons with New York, Frazier had 23. After Tuesday’s game, Hart now has 15. He also had six last season after having zero in his first six years in the league. Hart is fourth in Knicks career triple-doubles, close behind Richie Guerin (16) and Michael Ray Richardson (18).
In what has been a career-best season, Hart is posting averages of 13.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.5 steals.
Towns Also Records Triple-Double
The Knicks history books were rewritten in more than one manner after Tuesday’s game. It was also the first time in franchise history that they had two players in the same outing both finish with a triple-double.
The other player to do so on Tuesday was center Karl-Anthony Towns. In the Knicks victory, the All-Star starter posted a stat line of 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. It was the first triple-double with New York for Towns, who had two in his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
A four-time All-Star, Towns has been one of the most productive big men in the league during his first year with New York after nine with the Timberwolves. On the season, the 29-year-old is averaging 24.5 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.
Just 11 Regular Season Games Remain For Team
Hart and Towns get little rest as Wednesday provides the second game of a back-to-back. They remain at home where they will take on the Los Angeles Clippers. The Knicks remain the third seed in the Eastern Conference with a 45-26 record. It will be their 10th straight contest without star point guard Jalen Brunson. The team has gone 5-4 thus far in his absence.
Photo credit: © Brad Penner-Imagn Images
