players_bio
Following a scoreless performance and a fourth-quarter benching in the New York Knicks' 106-104 NBA Cup loss to the Indiana Pacers on Friday, wing Josh Hart acknowledged he is not in a good mental state. Hart, who missed all four of his field-goal attempts in the game, told reporters he is struggling to find answers.
"Wish I could tell you," Hart said when asked how he could fix his issues. "Don't know. Right now I'm not in a good headspace, and I got to figure out how to improve that and improve my play."
Hart is averaging a career-low 7.3 points per game early this season, hindered by a sore ankle and illness. He has not scored more than 10 points since October 25, a six-game stretch.
Hart is one of three Knicks players off to notably slow starts. Mikal Bridges, who was benched in previous games, found a rhythm by going 8-for-12 for 18 points against the Pacers, while OG Anunoby languished through another 4-for-13 night, telling reporters he's not sure why he is struggling to make baskets near the rim.
Hart had hoped to reach an extension with the Knicks before the season, but New York announced on October 9 that it was tabling all contract talks with Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Friday's loss dropped the defending champions to 6-6. "Just have to be better," Hart told reporters after the game. "Have to be better mentally. I just gotta get my mental right."
Key Analysis
Hart's candid admission highlights the mental toll of his early-season struggles, which have been compounded by physical issues. With contract talks shelved and the team hovering at .500, the Knicks are relying on Hart to rediscover his form as they aim to defend their title.
Originally reported by players_bio.