Josh Hart helped the New York Knicks clobber the Cleveland Cavaliers in style ... literally and figuratively ... in Game 3 of their NBA Playoff series.
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Basketball fans who want trade deadline arrival Josh Hart to re-up with his new team would argue that his heart is in New York. There's no doubt where his head is at after Friday night.
Hart made a statement in more ways than in the third game of the New York Knicks' playoff showdown against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden. Not only did his 13-point, six-rebound effort headline a dominant effort from the Knicks' reserves in a 99-79 victory (which outscored Cleveland's 39-14 en route to taking a 2-1 series lead in the best-of-seven set) but Hart showcased a new hairstyle where his braids formed an interlocking "NY" logo, just in time for the Knicks' first home playoff game in a decade (with fan's enthusiasm partly hampered by COVID-19 restrictions the last time around).
Hart's literal style points were shared on social media by Marissa of Room40 Ventures, a Knicks fan seated courtside who caught Hart's fashion statement during a timeout.
While the interlocking NY is most commonly associated with MLB's New York Yankees, the Knicks wore their own variation throughout their history, primarily an orange version on their shorts from 1978 through 1990. When it comes to Hart, it's equally possible he could be referencing either team: Hart obviously plays for the Knicks and is the great-nephew of the late Elston Howard, the first African-American player to appear on the Yankees' roster. In 24 years with the Yankees (11 as a coach), Howard earned six World Series rings and appeared in 12 MLB All-Star Games. The No. 32 he wore as a Yankee has been retired by the team and is enshrined in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx.
Hart's new look garnered a mostly positive response, as some Knicks felt it was a hint toward his professional future.
Acquired from Portland in February, Hart has handled business and then some, playing a major role in the Knicks' ongoing playoff push. It's widely expected that Hart will decline his upcoming player option and enter free agency but he has offered positive comments about his time with the Knicks, enjoying the MSG atmosphere and averaging 10.2 points and seven rebounds in 25 regular season appearances. Including playoffs, the Knicks are 19-9 with Hart in the rotation.
The Knicks continue their playoff trek on Sunday afternoon, when they'll attempt to take a commanding 3-1 series lead on the Cavaliers (1 p.m. ET, ABC).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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