NBA: The Curse Continues for the Knicks Against the Thunder as Josh Hart Gets Injured at the Worst Possible Time
Some nights everything goes your way, and others, basketball reminds you of the harsh reality. Last night at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks learned that lesson the hard way against the Oklahoma City Thunder. This top-of-the-table clash between two of the season's best teams, so highly anticipated by New York fans, turned into a nightmare in one innocuous-looking moment.
The Garden Was Rocking... Until It Happened
The atmosphere was electric. Both teams were riding three-game winning streaks. New York, powered by a red-hot Jalen Brunson, were looking to take down the Western Conference leaders. On the other side, the Thunder, even without their MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (a late call, managing an abdominal issue) and Jalen Williams, are still a well-oiled machine capable of dismantling anyone. It was the perfect match-up, the kind of night you wait for all season.
But Tom Thibodeau saw his game plan fall apart midway through the second quarter.
The Knicks' Back is Broken: Josh Hart Exits
The play is underway, the ball's moving, and Josh Hart finds himself alone in the corner. He takes the shot, an open look he usually knocks down with his eyes closed. But this time, nothing. An airball. Immediately, the former Blazer grabs his back and signals to the coach: he has to come out. Accompanied by a trainer, he headed to the locker room under the worried gaze of the entire Garden. Before leaving his teammates, Hart's stat line was bleak: just 4 points on 2/9 shooting, including 0/3 from three-point range. The biggest concern? His -9 plus/minus told the whole story of the Knicks' struggles when he's not there to plug the gaps. For a New York team already without Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride, losing their "glue guy," the man who does all the dirty work, is a massive blow.
The Thunder, Even in Second Gear, Are a Juggernaut
And what about this OKC side? They roll into New York with an injury list as long as your arm: Nikola Topic (assigned to the G-League), Ajay Mitchell, Branden Carlson... but they don't seem to mind. Facing the Knicks, even decimated, they stuck to the winning formula that makes them so good: stifling defence and unselfish attack. Taking advantage of Hart's absence, New York's primary perimeter defender, the young Thunder guns pushed the pace in transition.
It has to be said: the Thunder have swept the Knicks in their recent meetings, and they look intent on continuing that streak of dominance. Here's why they're such a nightmare to play against, even without their stars:
- Ridiculous bench depth: Guys like Isaiah Joe come off the bench and light you up from deep.
- Team defence: They're averaging nearly 10 steals a game. If you turn it over, it's a basket at the other end in a flash.
- The Chet Holmgren factor: Even if he struggles against the power of Karl-Anthony Towns, he alters everything. He's putting up around 17 points and 9 rebounds a game, which is just monstrous for a second-year player.
A Taste of Revenge in a Month?
Sure, purists will say this Knicks-Thunder review isn't complete without mentioning that New York hung in there until the end. Brunson tried to spark a revolt, KAT finished with a double-double, but without Josh Hart to lock down the backcourt and bring that infectious energy, the equation was just too tough.
This game on March 4th leaves an unfinished feeling for Knicks fans. We wanted a clash of the titans; we got a street fight won by the more battle-hardened team. Thankfully, the season doesn't end here. These two teams will meet again in less than a month, on March 30th, this time in Oklahoma City. By then, the injured guys might be back. And the Knicks, fuelled by their passionate fans, will be hoping to get their revenge. In the meantime, if you're wondering how to use the Knicks-Thunder game to sound smart down the pub, just say: "Remember that night Josh Hart did his back in on an airball? That's where it all turned."