Josh Hart emphasized urgency and consistency after the New York Knicks extended their postseason run with a 121-108 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday in Cleveland.
“My advice to the team was about not taking the foot off the gas and just taking it to them all night,” Hart said, pointing to the tone set from the opening minutes.
He explained the approach early in the game and the response to a hostile road environment. “I think we came out with energy and we knew we had to especially since it was their first home game in this series,” Hart said. “The back is against the wall. The fans were going to be making noise and cheering and supporting so we came out aggressive and set the tone from the jump and we just continued to play that way.”
The Knicks improved to a 3-0 series lead, controlling all three games against Cleveland while maintaining steady offensive balance. Hart stressed that the group is not focused on streaks or milestones during the playoff run.
“Ten straight wins. We don’t think about it that way,” he said. “Today we won. Monday we’re up three to zero. We’re far from our goal. The series isn’t over.”
He also highlighted how the team’s structure allows multiple players to contribute in rhythm. “Everybody that gets in the game is in a rhythm. I just think everyone is playing the right way with the right mentality and we have really good players,” Hart said.
The forward described the Knicks’ offensive identity as spacing-driven and role-flexible, allowing different players to produce depending on defensive coverage. “We got guys that can shoot, guys that can defend, guys that can make tough shots. So when we play our style of basketball everybody eats and that’s what we just tried to do.”
Hart also singled out the fourth-quarter impact of Landry Shamet, who provided scoring and defensive stability off the bench. “He’s my dog. Big shots. Amazing defense. He’s a heck of a player,” Hart said. “We need him to continue to do what he’s doing. He’s in a great rhythm right now and we want to make sure he has all the opportunity that he can.”
The Knicks’ control of the series has come through consistent execution on both ends, with Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby continuing to anchor two-way production while role players sustain momentum across rotations.
With New York one win away from a sweep and a potential return to the NBA Finals stage, Hart reinforced the team’s immediate focus. “The series isn’t over,” he said again, underscoring the team’s approach heading into Game 4.
The Knicks now turn to Monday’s matchup in Cleveland, where they will attempt to close out the series and extend their dominant postseason run.
