New York Knicks' Josh Hart Avoids Travel, Sinks Off-the-Back 3 vs. Jrue Holiday (Video)
Josh Hart literally had Jrue Holiday's back on Monday night at TD Garden.
In the midst of his New York Knicks' 114-98 loss to the Boston Celtics, Hart was able to provide a moment of levity to the proceedings with a highlight-reel leading three-pointer that wowed metropolitan supporters and critics alike.
With the Knicks trailing by nine in the fourth quarter, Hart received a pass in the corner from Jalen Brunson and prepared to put up a three with Boston's Jrue Holiday bearing down on him. Hart was apparently too late to do anything about Holiday's interference and failed to release the ball. Once his feet touched the floor, he would be assessed a traveling call, which would bestow possession back to the Celtics.
But Hart put his Villanova education to good use: before he landed, Hart bounced the ball off the back of Holiday, who had turned in anticipation of the rebound. The ball went back to Hart, who took immediate advantage of a new lease of hardwood life and launched a three from the corner, shortening the Celtics' lead to six with just under nine minutes remaining.
While the Knicks' comeback ultimately proved futile, Hart earned a legion of social media support: golf/esports reporter Jeff Eisenband referred to it as "one of the savviest plays in NBA history" while James Dator of SBNation claimed that Hart "channeled his inner 'NBA Street,'" referring to the former EA Sports video game franchise that placed the NBA's finest in pixelated streetball settings.
Josh Hart shoots from three during Monday's loss in Boston
David Butler II, USA TODAY SPORTS
Hart is in the midst of his first full season in New York after arriving from Portland in a trade deadline deal last winter. He got the start on Monday night in place of RJ Barrett, who sat out due to migraines. The former Trail Blazer had 16 points and rebounds in defeat and shot 3-of-6 from deep.
Time will tell if Hart has more magic in store. His next opportunity lands on Wednesday night when the Knicks (5-5) continue a five-game road trip against the Atlanta Hawks (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).
