In Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals of the NBA playoffs, which ended Tuesday, the New York Knicks defeated the Indiana Pacers 121-117, with Josh Hart playing the full 48 minutes, continuing the trend of little or no rest in the playoffs.
When Hart was asked what makes him feel tired in an interview with New York Post reporter Stefan Bundy after the game, Hart's answer was funny, saying that there was only one thing that would make him feel tired: "My wife and I quarreled, and that alone made me very tired. ”
Hart was outstanding in the first game against the Pacers, and his efforts kept the Knicks in shape, which gave Jalen Brunson the opportunity to be the hero of the game in the final moments, making a lot of key shots. Dante DiVincenzo also hit a crucial three-pointer to give the Knicks the lead. In this game, Hart finished with 24 points, 13 rebounds (including 4 rebounds) and 8 assists on 9-of-13 shooting and 1-of-1 three-pointers.
With the Pacers playing differently than other teams, Hart could shine in this round of the Western Conference semifinals. The Pacers are a fast-paced team, and Hart is also a player who is good at holding the ball on the fast break. From the point of view of rebounding, he performed well on both offensive and defensive ends, just looking at the rebounding data, he would not have thought that Hart was actually a guard less than 2 meters tall, and his presence would also make the Pacers suffer in rebounding. Judging by the direction of the first game, Hart is destined to be a key part of the series that will determine the course of this series.
Ultimately, the Knicks benefited from a number of controversial decisions, primarily a kick that shouldn't have been awarded, and a move-screen offensive foul made by DiVincenzo for Turner. But that doesn't mean the referees are particularly biased in favor of the Knicks, as there are still a few other decisions that could go against them throughout the game, and they will focus on another win at home on Thursday to take a 2-0 lead in the series.