NBA: Knicks’ Josh Hart doubtful for Game 2 due to ankle injury
Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dive for a loose ball during the fourth quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 15, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Knicks defeated the Cavaliers 101-97. Jason Miller/Getty Images/AFP
The New York Knicks listed swingman Josh Hart as doubtful for Tuesday’s Game 2 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Hart was limited in practice Monday with a sprained ankle. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said Hart’s availability will be determined on how he feels Tuesday morning.
Hart scored 17 points and 10 rebounds off the bench in the Knicks’ 101-97 win in Game 1 on Saturday, including a crucial 3-pointer with under two minutes to play. He injured the ankle before that crucial shot.
Hart, obtained from Portland in a four-team trade in February, averaged 9.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 76 games (52 starts) for the two clubs this season. He started just one of 25 games with the Knicks since the trade.
It was Hart’s 3-pointer with 1:49 remaining Saturday night that gave the Knicks a 95-93 lead, one they would not relinquish the rest of the game.
