Josh Hart’s play was so impressive Sunday night that the New York Knicks didn’t even notice he was dealing with an injury. The Knicks’ super sub revealed he is suffering from a nerve issue in his hand that has affected his ability to feel the ball. This came after their 128-116 win over the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden.
Hart contributed 14 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, helping New York (3-3) snap a three-game losing streak and set a new single-game season high in points for him.
### Josh Hart Is Having A Nerve Issue In His Hand
Hart did not appear to struggle during Sunday’s game, but he hasn’t looked quite like himself in the Knicks’ first five games. The 77-game starter for New York last season, plus 14 playoff appearances, has exclusively come off the bench under first-year Knicks coach Mike Brown. Through New York’s 2-3 start, Hart averaged just three points and seven rebounds in 23 minutes per game.
Hart hinted at a physical ailment but initially declined to discuss his hand injury during his postgame media availability.
“I’m going through some adversity myself just physically,” Hart said. “I ain’t gonna talk too much about it. It is what it is.”
However, when pressed further, Hart opened up about his condition, describing it as nerve damage in his hand.
“My nerve ending hasn’t really gotten back to what it was before,” Hart explained. “There’s a little bit of tingling, a little bit of numbness in part of my hand. Hopefully at some point I’ll get that nerve back, hopefully sooner rather than later, but right now it’s just a process.”
### Josh Hart’s Nerve Injury Was News To Knicks Coach Mike Brown
Knicks captain Jalen Brunson was asked what he saw from Hart on Sunday and gave a candid response.
“We saw Josh Hart,” Brunson said. “The one we know and love.”
However, when asked about Hart’s ongoing struggles with nerve damage, coach Mike Brown seemed caught off guard.
“It’s news to me,” Brown admitted.
Hart is one of the Knicks’ most selfless and emotional leaders, contributing not just by scoring, but also rebounding, assisting, and providing energy. This injury could present a challenge for New York, especially considering the team stayed relatively healthy during their 51-31 season and run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2024-25.
Despite the injury, Hart looked no worse for wear on Sunday. Brunson wasn’t the only teammate impressed by Hart’s ability to persevere against the Bulls, who entered play 5-0 and had just defeated the Knicks 135-125 on Friday night at the United Center.
“A lot of energy,” Knicks forward Karl-Anthony Towns said when asked about Hart’s performance. “Getting those rebounds, making those tough, 50-50 plays and capitalizing on those opportunities. So shout out to Josh.”
After watching Hart fill the stat sheet and help the Knicks bench score a season-high 46 points, Brown expressed optimism about having Hart back at full strength this year.
“He had 14 [points] and nine [rebounds],” Brown said. “So when he’s healthy, oh my gosh, look out.”
https://heavy.com/sports/nba/new-york-knicks/standout-knicks-player-reveals-rare-injury-after-win/
