Knicks performing higher than anticipated in daunting stretch

Ten brutal video games down, 4 to go.

Up to now, the Knicks have survived this gauntlet, performing higher than most observers anticipated, significantly as soon as Mitchell Robinson was misplaced to what’s believed to be a season-ending ankle damage.

Beginning on Dec. 5, the Knicks started a frightening 14-game stretch that included 10 street video games and 9 contests in opposition to groups with profitable information.

After their Christmas Day win over the powerhouse Bucks, they’re 5-5.

Remaining is a three-game street journey beginning Wednesday that options video games in opposition to the Thunder, Magic and Pacers earlier than assembly the Timberwolves again on the Backyard.

That’s 4 troublesome video games in six days.

Along with beating the Bucks, the Knicks (17-12) have additionally notched wins over the Suns, Lakers and Nets on the street.

The difficult nature of the schedule has introduced out the most effective in them.

Considerably misplaced within the victory over the Bucks was the two-way contributions of Josh Hart.

On a day when 4 Knicks scored a minimum of 20 factors.

Hart was nonetheless considered one of their most necessary gamers.

In considered one of his finest all-around video games of the season, the reserve wing had 10 factors, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and two steals.

Most significantly, he shined late within the third quarter after the Bucks had gotten inside 4, scoring eight factors over the ultimate 2:59 because the Knicks pushed the lead again to 11.

“We’re attempting to simply deal with getting stops, operating,” he stated. “I really feel it’s one thing that I do properly, getting in transition and simply sort of play-making from there. You recognize, if I’ve the lane, I’ve the lane. If not, I’ll attempt to get guys open pictures and rhythm 3’s. I really feel like we had been capable of get stops and get out and run.”