Josh Hart explodes for career-high with the Knicks
Mar 17, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) celebrates center Mitchell Robinson (23) in the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
The New York Knicks secured their fourth consecutive victory by dominating the Indiana Pacers 136-110 at Madison Square Garden. Without their starting point guard Jalen Brunson, sidelined with neck issues, it was Josh Hart who took matters into his own hands with the performance of his life in a New York jersey.
A performance fueled by candy
The Knicks guard literally caught fire, setting a new franchise career-high with 33 points in just 25 minutes of play. His shooting efficiency was nearly perfect: 12 makes on 13 attempts, including a perfect 5/5 from 3-point range. A performance all the more symbolic as it came during Mike & Ike sponsored night at Madison Square Garden.
« Mike and Ike night, I knew I had to elevate my game a little bit, » Hart said after the game, adding with humor that his performance was « 100% fueled by Mike & Ikes. » Coach Mike Brown also joked about it: « He must have eaten some before the game. »
Hart thus becomes only the fourth player in Knicks history to score over 30 points with at least 90% shooting efficiency, joining Patrick Ewing, Dick Barnett and Malik Rose in this very exclusive category.
A collective victory despite Brunson’s absence
The absence of Jalen Brunson, who missed his first game since January 17, did not disrupt the Knicks’ offense. Jose Alvarado took his place in the starting lineup and immediately contributed with 16 points and 10 assists in his first start for New York.
OG Anunoby also shined with 26 points and 8 rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 22 points and 11 rebounds. The collective efficiency was remarkable with 38 assists for only 9 turnovers, perfectly illustrating the team’s collective mindset.
« Am I impressed about Josh Hart? Not at all. I don’t even like Josh Hart » 😂
– Jose Alvarado pic.twitter.com/hK3jMEHdzX
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) March 18, 2026
This win strengthens the Knicks’ hold on third place in the Eastern Conference and sets the tone for a favorable stretch ahead, with matchups against the Nets, Wizards and Pelicans coming up.
For Josh Hart, who had been struggling since the All-Star break — missing 28 of his last 38 three-point attempts — the performance comes at the perfect time. It should help rebuild his confidence and reinforce his role in the starting lineup.
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