Josh Hart delivered a standout performance on Tuesday night, leading the New York Knicks to a 136-110 win over the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden.
With Jalen Brunson sidelined due to right ankle injury management and cervical strain, the Knicks leaned on Hart, and he responded with his best outing since joining the franchise three years ago in 2023. The veteran guard finished with 33 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals in just 26 minutes.
Josh Hart’s Historic 33-Point Night Leads Knicks Past Pacers
Hart’s performance also etched his name into the record books. He became the first player in NBA history to record 30+ points, 5+ rebounds, 5+ assists, 5+ three-pointers, and shoot over 90 percent from the field in a single game.
He was near perfect from the floor, shooting 12-of-13 overall and a flawless 5-of-5 from beyond the arc. Hart sat out the entire fourth quarter as the game was already out of reach.
During the postgame interaction shared by the NBA, Hart had a light moment while speaking with Alan Hahn.
When asked when he knew it would be his night, Hart responded, “When I knew Jalen wasn’t playing so he wasn’t going to hog the ball.” The comment was clearly made in jest and reflected the team’s comfort, especially with Brunson watching from the sidelines in street clothes.
Q: “When did you know you were going to have this kind of night?”
HART: “When I knew Jalen wasn’t playing so he wasn’t going to hog the ball.” 😂
What a night for Josh Hart! https://t.co/1H88SKoyeC pic.twitter.com/wq8eZ1kCc6
— NBA (@NBA) March 18, 2026
The game itself turned late in the second quarter. The Pacers were leading 62-57 before the Nicks closed the half on a 15-2 run over the final 2:49, taking a 72-64 lead into halftime. The Knicks carried that momentum into the second half, scoring 30 points in each quarter.
The Knicks also controlled key areas of the game. They grabbed 19 offensive rebounds and forced 17 turnovers, which led to 23 points. That effort helped them secure their fourth straight win and improve to 45-25, placing them third in the Eastern Conference.
For the Pacers, the loss extended their struggles. They have now dropped 14 straight games, marking the longest losing streak in franchise history.
There was also a lighthearted moment after the game when Jose Alvarado playfully slapped Hart on the back during his interview, adding to the mood of the night.
Brunson continues to lead the Knicks this season with 26.3 points and 6.6 assists per game. However, his absence did not slow down the Kicks’ offense in this outing, as the team found rhythm through ball movement and efficient scoring.
For Hart, the night stood out as a career highlight in his Knicks tenure, showcasing his ability to step up when the team needed it most.
