Stick to the Facts
Add Nbsla.ca as a Preferred Source on Google to see more of our stories in your search results.
The spotlight surrounding the Eastern Conference Finals is growing even brighter as Josh Hart remains one of the biggest talking points ahead of Game 2 between the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Following one of the most dramatic playoff games in recent NBA history, Josh Hart is now determined to prove that his shooting struggles were only temporary and that the New York Knicks can continue their incredible postseason run.
The Knicks’ historic comeback victory over the Cavaliers in Game 1 shocked the basketball world, but much of the postgame attention centered on Josh Hart after the veteran guard was benched late in the fourth quarter and throughout overtime. Despite being one of the emotional leaders of the New York Knicks all season long, Hart watched the most important stretch of the game from the sideline as coach Mike Brown turned to Landry Shamet for additional shooting and floor spacing.
Even after the difficult benching, Josh Hart made it clear that his confidence has not disappeared and that he fully expects his shots to start falling again in Game 2 of Knicks vs Cavaliers.
Josh Hart Staying Confident Despite Knicks Playoff Shooting Struggles
Throughout the 2026 NBA Playoffs, Josh Hart has continued contributing hustle, rebounding, defense, energy, and leadership for the New York Knicks. However, one area that has become a growing concern is his outside shooting.
During Game 1 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Hart struggled badly from beyond the arc, shooting just 1-for-5 from three-point range while finishing with a team-worst minus-23 rating. The Cavaliers repeatedly left Josh Hart open on the perimeter, daring him to shoot while focusing defensive pressure on stars like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
The strategy nearly worked perfectly for Cleveland as the Cavaliers built a massive 22-point lead inside Madison Square Garden. But once Landry Shamet entered the game and knocked down critical three-pointers, momentum shifted dramatically and the Knicks stormed back for one of the biggest playoff comebacks in franchise history.
Even so, Josh Hart refused to make the moment about himself.
Speaking after practice, Hart explained that while being benched during the comeback was difficult emotionally, the only thing that mattered was the New York Knicks winning the game.
He emphasized that he does not approach basketball with ego and that team success always comes before individual playing time or statistics. Those comments only reinforced why Josh Hart remains one of the most respected and beloved players inside the Knicks locker room.
Knicks Fans Still Rally Around Josh Hart
Few players connect with Madison Square Garden quite like Josh Hart. While Jalen Brunson may be the face of the franchise and the engine behind the Knicks offense, Hart has become the emotional heartbeat of the team because of his relentless hustle, rebounding, toughness, and passion.
Knicks fans have embraced Josh Hart ever since his arrival in New York because of the intensity he brings every night. Whether diving for loose balls, fighting for rebounds against bigger opponents, or playing through injuries, Hart has built a reputation as one of the toughest competitors in the NBA.
That is why many Knicks fans were surprised seeing Josh Hart sitting on the bench during the closing minutes of the biggest game of the season.
Still, Hart remained fully engaged throughout the comeback, celebrating every big shot from the sidelines and supporting teammates during the dramatic rally against the Cavaliers. Cameras repeatedly showed Hart cheering after Landry Shamet’s clutch three-pointers helped swing the game.
The reaction highlighted the culture the New York Knicks have built during their deep playoff run.
Landry Shamet’s Huge Performance Changed Knicks vs Cavaliers Game 1
While Josh Hart became the central storyline because of the benching, Landry Shamet emerged as the unlikely hero for the New York Knicks.
Shamet drilled all three of his three-point attempts and posted a team-best plus-20 rating during the comeback victory. His ability to stretch the floor forced Cleveland’s defense to adjust and opened driving lanes for Jalen Brunson and other Knicks scorers.
Coach Mike Brown admitted that spacing became essential after Cleveland ignored Josh Hart defensively and crowded the paint. Brown’s decision to keep Shamet on the floor ultimately changed the game completely.
Still, Brown made it clear after practice that the benching should not be viewed as a loss of confidence in Josh Hart.
The Knicks coach pointed to previous playoff moments where players temporarily sacrificed minutes before returning in major roles later in the postseason. Brown specifically referenced Mikal Bridges, who also experienced lineup changes earlier in the playoffs before becoming one of the Knicks’ most impactful contributors again.
According to Brown, he expects Josh Hart to respond the same way.
Josh Hart Promises to Keep Shooting for the Knicks
One of the biggest reasons the New York Knicks believe Josh Hart will bounce back quickly is his long-term shooting improvement.
During the regular season, Hart shot a career-best 41.3 percent from three-point range, proving he can become a reliable perimeter shooter when defenses leave him open. Although his playoff percentage has dropped significantly, Hart insists he will continue taking the same shots with confidence.
The Cavaliers are expected to continue using the same defensive game plan in Game 2 by sagging off Hart and prioritizing defensive attention toward Brunson and Towns. Josh Hart understands exactly what Cleveland is trying to do, but he says that will not stop him from shooting.
At Wednesday’s practice, Hart spent significant time working on corner three-pointers. Reporters watching practice noted that Hart knocked down multiple shots in a row, with several swishes barely touching the rim.
The New York Knicks know that if Josh Hart begins making open threes consistently again, Cleveland’s defensive strategy could completely collapse.
Jalen Brunson Continues Leading the Knicks Through NBA Playoffs
As always, Jalen Brunson remains the centerpiece of the Knicks’ playoff success. Brunson has transformed Madison Square Garden into one of the loudest arenas in basketball throughout the past four seasons.
His clutch scoring, leadership, and calmness under pressure have elevated the Knicks into legitimate championship contenders.
But the New York Knicks also understand that winning the Eastern Conference Finals will require contributions from everyone in the rotation, including Josh Hart.
The chemistry between Brunson, Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and the rest of the roster has become one of the defining strengths of this Knicks playoff run.
That chemistry was on full display during the Game 1 comeback when even players on the bench remained emotionally invested in every possession.
Cavaliers Facing Pressure Entering Game 2
While the focus remains heavily on Josh Hart and the Knicks, the Cleveland Cavaliers are also dealing with major pressure after collapsing in Game 1.
Blowing a 22-point lead in the Eastern Conference Finals can create serious psychological damage for any team. Cleveland appeared fully in control before the Knicks completely flipped momentum late in the game.
Now the Cavaliers must decide whether to continue daring Josh Hart to shoot from deep or adjust defensively and risk giving more space to Brunson and other Knicks scorers.
Either way, Game 2 is shaping up as one of the most anticipated games of the NBA Playoffs.
Josh Hart Ready for Redemption in Knicks vs Cavaliers Game 2
The biggest storyline entering Game 2 may ultimately center around Josh Hart’s response.
Will Josh Hart silence critics by knocking down open shots early? Will the Cavaliers continue leaving him open from three-point range? Will the New York Knicks stick with the same closing lineup if another tight game develops?
Those questions are now dominating NBA conversations across New York and beyond.
What remains clear is that Josh Hart’s confidence has not changed despite the difficult Game 1 benching. The Knicks veteran continues believing in his shot, believing in his teammates, and believing the New York Knicks can keep winning during this unforgettable playoff run.
And if Josh Hart catches fire again at Madison Square Garden, the Eastern Conference Finals could swing even further in favor of the New York Knicks.