Before their upcoming game, New York Knicks forward Josh Hart made bold statements when questioned about Miami Heat standout Jimmy Butler.” On April 2, he informed the press that Jimmy usually participates in smaller tasks throughout the year until April. After that, he becomes more focused.
It is expected that people will witness his intense competitive side now that he has completed the minor tasks and shifted his focus to the main goal. The question that led to Hart’s energetic reaction has not been made public yet.
The starting player for the Knicks has firsthand experience with Butler’s competitive nature in recent playoff games. Miami defeated New York in the second round of the 2023 playoffs with a series score of four games to two.
Butler Shined Against Knicks in 2023 Playoffs
Despite missing Game Two with an ankle injury, Butler finished the series averaging 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, six assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks. And to Hart’s credit, each of those numbers are higher than the All-Star’s regular season averages for 2022-2023.
New York’s two victories came in Game Two which Butler missed, and Game Four. Both on their home floor.
Butler would go on to lead the Heat to the NBA Finals, where they suffered a “gentleman’s sweep,” four games to one via the Denver Nuggets.
But this comment from Josh Hart is just the latest wrinkle in his complex history with Miami.
According to Stathead, Josh Hart has won eight of 13 regular season matchups against the Heat. Those eight victories have come in four different uniforms over seven career seasons.
And that includes one game-winning three (in a season he was shooting just 30% from deep) as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers.
But, and it’s unfortunate for Josh’s winning record, they’ve also met in the playoffs.
His record against Miami in the postseason is that of last year’s postseason series with the Knicks; two wins and four losses.
Everyone knows that you can’t “win them all” in any sport. But in last year’s playoffs, Hart’s losses to the Heat transcended the hardwood.
Hart and Butler’s Recent history .
There’s no indication that the Knicks forward was “throwing shade” at Butler, but the two do have a recent history.
Miami’s star forward missed that aforementioned Game Two against New York, because of a controversial injury.
Butler rolled his ankle while being fouled by Hart in the fourth quarter.
The Heat was still able to secure a victory in Game One despite Butler missing just one more game. However, Hart faced scrutiny on Twitter with doubts surrounding his reputation.
A quick search for “Hart dirty player” on Twitter will reveal this criticism.”
Naturally, it did not benefit him that when questioned about the injury after the game, he was honest about the incident. “Jimmy injured his ankle.
I’m not sure what you expect me to comment on that,” Hart informed the New York Post.
While playing defense, there was a collision. Sadly, he ended up twisting his ankle. You all witnessed the incident.”
We assure you that this incident, along with Hart’s previous comments, will be taken into account before the next Miami and New York game.”
The Knicks, who are missing key players Julius Randle and OG Anunoby, enter the game after losing two consecutive games.
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat are on a winning streak, having just won two consecutive games.” If the New York Knicks want to avoid three consecutive losses, Josh Hart and others will need to step up.