Without Jalen Brunson "Hogging" The Ball, Josh Hart Went Off

As best friends usually do, Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson love to mess with each other. Whether it’s on social media or national TV, nothing gets in the way of these two longtime buddies talking trash like they were sworn enemies.

On Tuesday, Brunson didn’t even get the chance to defend himself as Hart had the microphone all to himself after the New York Knicks’ blowout win over the Indiana Pacers. After coming up big on the scoring end in this 136-110 rout, Hart was asked a generic question: “When did you know you were going to have this kind of night?”

The Knicks’ glue guy thought about it for a moment, then he replied: “When I knew Jalen wasn’t playing so he wasn’t going to hog the ball.”

Whether or not Brunson is indeed culpable for his teammates’ lack of touches, Hart stepped up in the absence of the Knicks team captain, who was dealing with ankle and neck issues. Against the Pacers, Hart put up 33 points on an extremely efficient 12-for-13 shooting from the field. Known for his versatility, the 6-foot-5 forward also contributed seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals.

Whereas Brunson typically commands the spotlight in the Knicks’ offense, Hart was the star of the show on Tuesday as he notched a new career high in scoring for his stint with the Knicks. Interestingly, he outscored Karl-Anthony Towns (22 points) and OG Anunoby (26 points), two frontcourt teammates who typically shoulder a bigger share of the scoring than Hart does.

That, of course, is because Hart is more of a Swiss Army knife, a multifaceted athlete who contributes in various departments. What the Knicks need, Hart provides, whether that’s hustle on the defensive end or an extra scoring punch.

In the playoffs, New York will need this diverse weapon more than ever. Whether Hart likes it or not, the Knicks will need Brunson too. But, as these former Villanova teammates have proven time and time again, they know when to joke around and when to get all serious on the hardcourt.