Josh Hart Powers Knicks Past Heat in Thrilling 140-132 Win
Tonight, Madison Square Garden was alive with energy as the New York Knicks pulled off a dramatic 140-132 victory over the Miami Heat. This win lifts the Knicks to an 8-4 record, while the Heat slip to 7-6, and the game will be remembered primarily for one standout performance: Josh Hart’s historic night.
Hart, who had been benched for the entirety of the fourth quarter just two days ago, returned to play all 12 minutes in the final period, and his impact was undeniable. He recorded a triple-double with 12 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking his 16th career triple-double with the Knicks. This achievement ties him with Richie Guerin for the third most in franchise history, trailing only the legendary Walt Frazier with 23 and the late Michael Ray Richardson with 18.
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Without the presence of Jalen Brunson, sidelined with a sprained ankle, Hart took on an even more critical role as a ball handler. Knicks head coach Mike Brown praised him for his hustle and determination, noting, “He was 4-for-4 on 50/50 balls. We won the possession game, barely, and we needed every one of those 50/50 balls he came up with. Heck of a job by Josh getting a triple-double tonight.”
Hart’s performance was complemented by Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson, who became the first Knicks duo off the bench to score 20 or more points each since 2021. Shamet finished with an impressive 36 points, while Clarkson added 24, providing the offensive firepower that helped seal the win. Miles McBride, starting in place of Brunson, contributed nine points and four assists, filling the playmaking gap admirably.
Coach Brown also experimented with a zone defense, a strategy he admitted was thrown together on the fly. “We were having trouble guarding them off the dribble. We just wanted to try to give them a different look, get them out of rhythm a little bit,” Brown explained. Despite the improvisation, the Knicks responded perfectly, adjusting and reacting as needed, which proved crucial in maintaining their edge over Miami.
Brown was quick to credit his coaching staff for their role in the victory, singling out Chris Jent, Rick Brunson, and Brendan O’Conner for their help with substitutions, defensive adjustments, and offensive planning. Their collective effort, combined with Hart’s electrifying performance, allowed the Knicks to overcome the Heat in a high-scoring, fast-paced contest.
With this win, the Knicks continue to build momentum in the early season, proving that even without key players like Brunson, they have the depth and resilience to compete at the highest level. Fans at Madison Square Garden witnessed a night that will be remembered for Hart’s historic triple-double and the Knicks’ relentless determination to claim a hard-fought victory.
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