Villanova in the Pros: Josh Hart Powers Knicks’ Knockout Blow

The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-93 on Thursday, May 21 and Villanova alumnus Josh Hart led the way with five made threes and 26 points.

With major offensive threats like Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns to account for, the Cleveland Cavaliers tried to focus on them, creating opportunities for Hart to feast.

“I knew that’s what the game plan was going to be,” Hart said in a post-game interview. “I’ve just been working.”

Two of Hart’s triples came during an 18-0 run at the start of the third quarter that put the Knicks in front for good; all 18 of those points came from a Villanova product. Brunson added three assists during the run, finishing with 19 points and 14 assists to just three turnovers as he looked for the open man — Hart, usually.

The win also gave Hart, whose shooting performance often draws criticism, vindication. Hart made just two of seven threes in the first half, then drained the next four shots he attempted in the third quarter, helping to spark the Knicks’ furious knockout blow. After the game, he said he was glad he maintained his confidence and kept on taking threes despite the early misses.

Fellow former Wildcat Mikal Bridges also netted 19 points, making the most of his opportunities on 9-of-12 shooting. The Knicks have won nine consecutive playoff games and now head to Cleveland with a 2-0 series lead, looking to make it back to the NBA FInals for the first time since 1999.