Josh Hart of the New York Knicks spoke during a practice press conference on Wednesday as the team waits to learn its Eastern Conference Finals opponent following a dominant postseason run. The guard-forward emphasized structure, patience, and internal focus during the extended break.
“Yeah, blood flowing, we talked about it, every day we focus on ourselves. So obviously we don’t know who we’re going to play but if we continue to just focus on ourselves and take care of the things that we can take care of we’ll be in a good position. So that’s all today was, the next couple days until we figure out who gives luck. We’re a dog-friendly establishment. You know what I mean? So it’s good vibes around here.”
Hart also pointed to the team’s internal culture as a stabilizing factor during the playoff pause, highlighting consistency in approach regardless of matchup uncertainty.
“It’s good vibes around here. So whatever makes good vibes, we’re good.”
The Knicks forward addressed the timing gap between series and how it affects rhythm, while acknowledging the physical and mental balance required at this stage of the playoffs.
“Yeah. Well, the first series we had 14 days break, I think it was. Yeah, that was, I was good enough. Yeah. This right now, I think what, at least a week if not nine days, so it’s a long time. So obviously it’s good for recovery. But mentally, I’m watching the games on Sunday, just waiting, just waiting to get back out there so it’s a little long.”
Hart also touched on his approach to health, recovery, and handling uncertainty around minor injuries during a long postseason stretch.
“No. I mean, I don’t really believe in the luck, for me personally. I pray before every game in terms of protection for myself and my team and I just go out there and when I had the hand, I’m just obviously walk back. And got X-rays and I was just sitting there praying about it. That’s my first go to, I’m just sitting there praying that I’m healed. Praying that I’m good and I was blessed with it not being a fracture and for what it is I can play with and I was happy with that so I never try to see something, I think of the worst. It’s just a blessing.”
He also described the Knicks’ roster dynamics and shared how adaptability has shaped their playoff identity, referencing teammates including New York Knicks stars such as Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
“I think it’s the character that we have around the organization. Obviously, that starts with JB, KAT, those guys. So when you have guys that are willing to sacrifice… when you do that and then you win, especially lately the way we’ve been winning in the margins.”
Hart added that versatility on both ends has allowed the group to adjust game to game.
“I think in terms of offensively we can play fast, we can play slow… and then defensively we’ve been able to put guys on really write it, really anybody.”
On the topic of pressure in New York, Hart pointed to accountability within the locker room rather than external expectations.
“We look at it as like a pressure situation. Obviously we’re in New York and everything that we do is amplified… Our job right now is to stay even keel, to focus on the task at hand.”
He closed with a reflection on internal standards and self-critique as the primary driver during the postseason push.
“At the end of the day, I’m going to look at myself in the mirror and wonder what I could do better… no one that’s not in my shoes can tell me what I could have done better.”
