nypost
As the Knicks began their title defense, they encountered an issue—or, as Josh Hart phrased it, a “little conundrum.” Their minds had moved past the championship, but their bodies had not yet caught up.
The root cause was a compressed offseason packed with off-the-court appearances and business opportunities. “I think it’s a tough spot,” Hart said. “It’s kinda like a little conundrum because obviously we played into mid-June. Then in the summer, obviously you’re working out, you’re doing that, but you also are enjoying the fruits of the labor of winning in terms of going to brand [appearances]. Off the court, it’s kind of booming for you. So you’re doing all of that, so that takes a little bit of a wear on you. And then you get into it. So, sometimes the body has to kinda catch up.”
Hart, who sat out Wednesday’s game against the Bulls with ankle soreness—the first DNP for a starter this season—spoke about the physical toll. The Knicks have become the first reigning champions to lose their first three games since the 2011 Dallas Mavericks. They have already lost twice to the 76ers, the same team New York swept in the second round five months earlier.
Key Analysis
The Knicks' slow start underscores the challenge of balancing championship celebrations with physical readiness. Hart's comments highlight the wear of a short offseason, and the early losses to Philadelphia—a team they dominated in the playoffs—suggest lingering effects. As the season progresses, New York must find a way to sync mind and body to avoid further setbacks.
Originally reported by nypost.