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INJURY UPDATE: Jalen Brunson commented on Josh Hart’s injury and the New York Knicks’ ongoing injury woes, suggesting that it’s just another addition to their long list of setbacks
There may have been yet another setback for the already inexperienced New York Knicks. Josh Hart, a forward with the Knicks, seemed to have an abdominal ailment during the team’s Game 6 loss to the Indiana Pacers.
Hart got hurt in the first quarter and missed the following two quarters of action due to his ailment. In the fourth quarter, he was declared out of the game due to what the Knicks described as “abdominal soreness.” The Knicks’ injury season has been particularly cruel this year.
They were already without Mitchell Robinson (who was declared out during Game 1 against the Pacers), Julius Randle (who sustained an injury in Game 4 of the first-round series), and OG Anunoby (who injured his hamstring in Game 2 and has been sidelined) going into Game 6.
The Knicks have dismissed these injuries throughout the entire season by saying, “They have more than enough to win.” After Game 6, that line was employed by both Donte DiVincenzo and Tom Thibodeau.
Jalen Brunson did concede on Friday, though, that the Knicks’ postseason health has been incredibly unlucky. “Add it to the list,” Brunson responded when asked about Hart’s injury. “I wasn’t necessarily worried or anything [about Hart], but I guess you can just add it to the list,” Brunson stated.
Though it might not seem like much, this is the closest the Knicks have come to admitting that they are struggling this season.
Obviously, there have been numerous instances this season where things with our squad don’t work out physically, according to Brunson. “However, I believe that our first concern is that everyone present, no matter what they’re going through or whatever else, is prepared to go.
That’s simply how we’ve thought.” This series, Brunson has personified that mentality more than any other Knick. After what appeared to be a foot injury in Game 2, Brunson was reported to have foot pain for the next two games. Even though he didn’t play well in Games 3 or 4, Brunson maintained that he is healthy if he is participating.
However, if Hart is sidelined or doesn’t play in Game 7, it might be the final straw for the Knicks. During the postseason, Hart has been a monster rebounder for the Knicks, grabbing 12.2 rebounds per game. He has also contributed to the team’s scoring, physical defense, and intangible hustle plays every game.
One thing the Knicks have working for them in Game 7 is Madison Square Garden. Although the Knicks haven’t played a Game 7 at home in almost 30 years, a boisterous home crowd could be enough to carry the team to victory in a series in which the home side has won all of the games.
