Frustrated New York Knicks forward Josh Hart exits after painful fall and heated ball-throwing incident while playing against Philadelphia 76ers | NBA News
Josh Hart, a forward for the New York Knicks, was sent off Thursday’s first preseason game after slipping to the court and then flinging the ball as a Philadelphia player attempted to grab it away from him while he was on his back. Eventually, Hart left the court, favoring his lower back and moving carefully. He went to be assessed in the locker room, but he refused to come back. It was a technical foul and ejection for launching the ball after the play, not because of the injury.
Struggling New York Knicks star Josh Hart exits after painful fall and frustrating ball-throwing incident vs 76ers
Josh Hart, a star for the New York Knicks, was hurt when he was ejected from the team’s preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Abu Dhabi. Early in the second quarter, Hart was dribbling the ball upcourt after grabbing a defensive rebound when he fell in front of the 76ers bench. Kennedy Chandler of Philadelphia attempted to steal the ball, but Hart flung it towards the other end of the court and turned away to guard it, earning him expulsion.In the second quarter, Hart was battling for a rebound when he came away with the ball and attempted to climb up the floor, like he typically does. But Kennedy Chandler, a guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, blocked his way, and Hart struck the floor in obvious pain. Despite Hart’s fall, the action was still in progress, and Chandler was correct to try to take the ball away from him. Hart was obviously upset with the circumstance and chose to throw the ball across the court and into the seats even though it caused a jump ball. Hart played seven minutes and finished the game with just two points, three rebounds, and an assist. After slipping to the court with what appeared to be a non-contact injury, the Knicks forward staggered to the locker room, wincing and gripping his back. On the play in the second quarter, Hart was also disqualified for throwing the ball in the stands out of irritation while still in pain on the ground. Known for his stamina, the veteran Knicks great averaged 37:37 minutes per game under Tom Thibodeau in 77 regular-season games the previous season. He topped the NBA in minutes played. Hart replaced new head coach Mike Brown on Thursday after Thibodeau was removed of his duties. Before Hart entered the game, Brown decided to start his two big men, Mitchell Robinson and Karl-Anthony Towns. During a pre-training camp workout, Hart worsened an ailment he was already battling with on his surgically repaired right ring finger. However, as new coach Mike Brown opted for a taller lineup, Mitchell Robinson took his position on the bench for Thursday’s preseason opener.
Determined New York Knicks big Josh Hart to play through painful finger injury with splint this season
Josh Hart, a big for the New York Knicks, stated on Tuesday that he just made a finger injury worse and anticipates wearing a splint this season.After suffering the injury during the playoffs, Hart had surgery on his right ring finger in July. He claimed that when he was getting ready for training camp, which starts on Wednesday, he injured his finger once more after taking a break.“I’m just trying to get used to it, and then get through the season with it,” Hart said Tuesday at New York’s season-opening media day at its Westchester practice facility.Hart further said:“So probably just rock out with a split this season and try to fix it again next summer.”Hart claimed that although he detested wearing anything on his hands, he wished to postpone surgery in order to play. He admitted that if the splint had an impact on his play, he might need to think about it.Although he said he would play despite the injury, he did not explicitly respond when asked if surgery to fix the problem before the upcoming offseason is totally out of the question.Also read: Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark share playful social media banter amid injury recovery
