“I Gave Nothing”: Josh Hart Shoulders Blame For Meltdown In Knicks’ 32-pt Destruction vs Pacers

It was quite a disappointing night for the New York Knicks. They lost to the Indiana Pacers once again, and this time, with a huge point deficit. Short-handed and with an injured superstar, it was with apprehension every Knicks fan would look toward the next game. Leading the series 2-1, at Game 4, the Knicks fumbled badly. And Josh Hart stepped up to take the responsibility for such a disappointing performance.

In the presser post-game, Josh Hart said, “I put that on my shoulders. I’m supposed to be the energy guy of the team, and I didn’t do anything. I gave nothing.” He finished the night with two points, three rebounds, and two assists on 1-of-6 field goals in 23 minutes. He was also 0-of-2 from the three-point line. And this is a guy who has the best numbers in his playoff career this season.

Josh Hart is averaging 17.1 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while shooting 45.2% from downtown and 47.7% from the field, per game. Of course, this could have been just a one-time thing. If anything, the veteran forward is only too aware of the precarious situation New York is in now. Jalen Brunson, in a fortunate turn of events, wasn’t in the injury report ahead of Game 4. But that could just as quickly turn around. As for OG Anunoby, he remains ‘Out’. The team has yet to announce a timeline for his return after a hamstring injury.

Well, that was about the injury-addled players of the Knicks. But how did those on the floor for Game 4 fare?

The Pacers knocked the Knicks’ teeth off in Game 4

While we talk about the players who are battling injuries, everybody knows that the playoffs equals bruises. And that’s putting it mildly. Yet, the fact is the playoffs have everyone playing through them to not be ‘THAT’ team. For the Knicks and Pacers, this series is a continuation of a historic rivalry. As such, there are bound to be a lot of eyes on them, be it at Gainbridge or MSG.

While the ‘Big Apple’ managed to protect their home court in the first two games, Tyrese Haliburton and Co. did the same when it was their turn. Indiana got off to a strong start, leadingby 28 points at halftime. 4 of the 5 Pacers starters scored in double digits with T. J. McConnell from the bench contributing significant numbers. McConnell was the only player with a double-double tonight.

In just 20 minutes, the veteran guard scored 15 points, grabbed four rebounds, and dished out 10 assists while going 6-of-12 from the field and hitting both his threes. The Pennsylvania native finished as a +27 for the team. The biggest difference-maker, probably, was the field goals.

The Knicks went 30-of-89 from the field (33.7%) tonight. This is a team that has sunk 45.5% this season per game and 43.5% in playoffs all-time. As for their three-point status, the team just shot 7-of-37 (18.9%) from beyond the arc. Clearly, they ran out of gas and the Pacers took complete advantage of the situation. As any other team would.

The crucial Game 5 will be held at The Garden and the final matchup (probably) will see the Knicks back at Indiana. Whichever team takes the victory in the next round can very well win it all. But if we are to look at the trend with this series, the Knicks-Pacers might end up being the one to force a Game 8.

What do you think might happen? Let us know your take on the end of this series!