Why The Knicks’ Josh Hart Is The Key To An NBA Title

BusinessSportsMoneyWhy The Knicks’ Josh Hart Is The Key To An NBA TitleByJustin Robertson,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Justin is a Toronto-based writer who covers the NBA and padelFollow AuthorJun 05, 2026, 03:59pm EDTSAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JUNE 03: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks and Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs compete for a loose ball during the fourth quarter in Game One of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 03, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThere’s a version of Game 1’s box score that makes Josh Hart look like an offensive liability. Three points on five shots in 27 minutes. In the words of any basketball fan, all Hart did was work on his cardio: running up and down the court without actually doing anything.But look closer at Hart’s game and there's a wait, what? moment.Hart led all players in rebounds (15), assists (6), and steals (4), was a game-high plus-22 on the floor, and didn’t turn the ball over once. With Victor Wembanyama patrolling the paint, those 15 rebounds weren’t just a hollow stat; those vital boards made sure the Spurs never got the ball back. The Knicks were outscored by 12 points in the 21 minutes Hart spent on the bench. They won the minutes he played by 22. Hart also became the first player since Larry Bird in the 1986 Finals to record a 15/6/4 line in a single Finals game.Aside from his teammates, coaches, and die-hard Knicks fans, those critical contributions can become invisible. The narrative of Game 1 understandably belonged to the heavy hitters: Jalen Brunson wore the cape with a clutch 30-point night, and Karl-Anthony Towns delivered a steely, aggressive 18 and 12 performance. When they touch the ball, everyon...