{"id":77854,"date":"2024-05-18T02:15:12","date_gmt":"2024-05-18T06:15:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=77854"},"modified":"2024-05-18T02:15:12","modified_gmt":"2024-05-18T06:15:12","slug":"knicks-key-player-game-7-status-jeopardy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/18\/knicks-key-player-game-7-status-jeopardy\/","title":{"rendered":"Key Knicks Player\u2019s Game 7 Status in Jeopardy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>With this blow, the New York Knicks may have fallen to their knees.<\/p>\n<p>They\u2019ll fight. However, if <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hartjo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Josh Hart<\/a> is unavailable for Game 7, New York\u2019s chance of reaching the Western Conference Finals for the first time in 24 years could go down the drain. This is the reality that <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/12\/nba-playoffs-knicks-cinderella-story-threatened-by-familiar-foe\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">they must contend with<\/a> after Game 6.<\/p>\n<h2>Josh Hart\u2019s Game 7 Status in Jeopardy<\/h2>\n<p>In the first quarter of Friday\u2019s matchup against the Indiana Pacers, Hart sustained an abdominal injury while going up for a rebound.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">By the way it looks seems likely Josh Hart has an Abdominal strain <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/k0txv85jOZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/k0txv85jOZ<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Dr. Evan Jeffries, DPT (@GameInjuryDoc) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/GameInjuryDoc\/status\/1791639365510394272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">May 18, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>In the fourth quarter, the tough veteran was seen clutching his midsection in extreme discomfort while on the Knicks\u2019 bench.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Josh Hart is in some pain on the bench. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/SxAvNvOZGR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/SxAvNvOZGR<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Knicks Nation (@KnicksNation) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/KnicksNation\/status\/1791659962520723672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">May 18, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Subbed out in the middle of a pair of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/brunsja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jalen Brunson<\/a> free-throws, Hart was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the game, having tallied five points, eight rebounds, three assists, and one block in 31 minutes.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Josh Hart (abdominal soreness) is out for the remainder of the game.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Cassidy Hubbarth (@CassidyHubbarth) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CassidyHubbarth\/status\/1791661740427510209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">May 18, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>After Hart\u2019s exit, New York outscored Indiana, 25-22. Brunson continued to put the team on his back, scoring 11 points in that stretch and going 3-4 from the field.<\/p>\n<p>However, rather than delaying the inevitable, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau yanked his starters with just over three minutes remaining. At the time, the Pacers had an 18-point lead, New York unable to keep them out the paint. In fact, Indiana scored 62 points in the paint in Game 6.<\/p>\n<h3>Knicks Sound Off<\/h3>\n<p>As the Knicks prepare for Game 7, they appear optimistic that Hart will play.<\/p>\n<p>Given that he played through the injury during Game 6, for the most part, it\u2019s not hard to see why. With the ironman playing 43.6 minutes per game this postseason entering Game 6, there\u2019s yet another reason to believe in his future availability: his\u00a0commitment to winning.<\/p>\n<p>Asked about Hart\u2019s abdominal injury during the game, Thibodeau said, \u201cyou\u2019re going to get bumped and bruised out there. He\u2019s a tough guy. He\u2019ll get through it.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">&#8220;He&#8217;s a tough guy. He&#8217;ll get through it&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>\u2013\u2013 Thibs to Cassidy Hubbarth on Josh Hart in pain <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/OveHmpd3VF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/OveHmpd3VF<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NBA_NewYork\/status\/1791639200372007221?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">May 18, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/harteis01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Isaiah Hartenstein<\/a> shared a similar sentiment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJust knowing him. He\u2019ll do whatever to play,\u201d Hartenstein muses. \u201cIf his leg\u2019s not falling off\u2026 he\u2019ll probably play.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Isaiah Hartenstein talks about Josh Hart&#8217;s status for Sunday:<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;He&#8217;ll do whatever to play. If his leg&#8217;s not falling off&#8230; he&#8217;ll probably play.&#8221; <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/E7jK0LWvmc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/E7jK0LWvmc<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/sny_knicks\/status\/1791675024509698094?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">May 18, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Brunson was even more firm when talking about his longtime teammate, saying: \u201cI would assume he\u2019s play. It\u2019s Game 7.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">&#8220;I would assume he&#8217;s playing. It&#8217;s Game Seven.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Jalen Brunson on Josh Hart <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/UPgUwYWSVu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/UPgUwYWSVu<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NBA_NewYork\/status\/1791679386934030561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">May 18, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Hart\u2019s other \u2018<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/09\/nova-reunion-re-grading-the-trade-leading-josh-hart-to-the-knicks\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Nova Knicks<\/a>\u2019 teammate, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/divindo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Donte DiVincenzo<\/a>, was asked his thoughts on the situation as well. Given Hart\u2019s heart and hustle, many of his contributions go beyond the stat sheet. He\u2019s a modern day glue guy, doing whatever is required and asked of him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cObviously, you never want to see anybody get hurt. But bro, it\u2019s been our season,\u201d admits a resigned DiVincenzo.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">&#8220;It&#8217;s been our season. We have more than enough, whoever&#8217;s on the court.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Donte DiVincenzo talks about Josh Hart&#8217;s injury and how the Knicks will respond: <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/2m3lTX0XDk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/2m3lTX0XDk<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/sny_knicks\/status\/1791676740298805619?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">May 18, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>However, rather than charge full speed ahead by surmising that Hart will play, he has a more tempered mindset ahead of Game 7.<\/p>\n<p>\u201c\u2026Whatever five\u2019s on the court, we have a blueprint here,\u201d DiVincenzo says. Expounding upon his answer, he tells reporters that \u201cThibs demands certain things from certain guys. You go out there, you compete your tails off, and you give yourselves a chance to win. So that\u2019s our mindset.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhether he goes or not, that\u2019s our mindset,\u201d relays the 2021 NBA champion.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With this blow, the New York Knicks may have fallen to their knees. They\u2019ll fight. However, if Josh Hart is unavailable for Game 7, New York\u2019s chance of reaching the Western Conference Finals for the first time in 24 years could go down the drain. This is the reality that they must contend with after [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5008,"featured_media":77855,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[12,1608,11,62,3],"tags":[1004,4745,596],"class_list":["post-77854","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-knicks","category-basketball","category-pacers","category-nba","category-news","tag-josh-hart","tag-nba-injuries","tag-nba-playoffs"],"modified_by":"Quenton S Albertie","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77854","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5008"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=77854"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77854\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/77855"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=77854"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=77854"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=77854"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}