Knicks News: Josh Hart’s winning mentality, Tom Thibodeau’s reported concern

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 11: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks looks on before the game against the Utah Jazz at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Evan Yu/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 11: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks looks on before the game against the Utah Jazz at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Evan Yu/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks lost their first game of The Josh Hart Era on Tuesday in a disappointing 112-105 loss to the No. 14 Hornets. Although New York was coming off two tough wins on the road against Miami and Boston (double overtime), Hart didn’t blame the loss on the team being fatigued. Instead, he took responsibility.

After the game when speaking to the media, Hart offered his perspective on the Knicks not being able to blame the loss on being tired.

With each day that’s going by, Hart is continuing to prove on and off the court that he belongs in New York.

Fox Sports reported earlier this week that in early December, Tom Thibodeau told a friend that he believed the Knicks were going to fire him. Yaron Weitzman wrote that it was “unclear” how close Thibodeau was to being fired. Thibodeau’s shortened rotation has helped to turn the Knicks’ season around.

More Knicks news

  • Jalen Brunson returned to the Knicks’ lineup in their game against the Kings on Thursday, but he didn’t return in the second half after scoring 19 in the first half. New York’s next game will be in Saturday in LA against the Clippers.
  • HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported on Thursday that Josh Hart is expected to re-sign with the Knicks after declining his $12.96 million player option this summer.
  • The Knicks signed 23-year-old Moses Brown to a two-way contract on Wednesday. He made his Westchester debut on Thursday night against the Stockton Kings.

NBA news

  • Kevin Durant sprained his ankle in warmups on Wednesday ahead of his home debut against OKC. According to The Arizona Republic’s Greg Moore, Durant’s expected to miss the rest of the regular season with a grade 2 sprain.
  • The Grizzlies announced on Thursday that Steven Adams (knee sprain) will be re-evaluated in four more weeks. He last played on Jan. 22 and will be out for the remainder of the regular season.
  • Memphis announced on Wednesday that Ja Morant would be away from the team for at least four more games. The Grizzlies hosted the Warriors on Thursday and will face the Mavericks (twice) and the Heat in the coming days.
  • Fred VanVleet was fined $30,000 by the NBA after going on a rant about referee Ben Taylor after the Clippers’ 108-100 loss to the Clippers on Wednesday.