Victor Wembanyama and Karl-Anthony Cities are two of the NBA’s greatest 7-footers. However it was 6-foot-4 Josh Hart’s rebounding that iced the New York Knicks’ Christmas win over the San Antonio Spurs.
With the Knicks clinging to a three-point lead within the last seconds, Hart hustled his method to two offensive rebounds, permitting the Knicks to expire the clock of their 117-114 win. He completed with 12 rebounds, 5 on the offensive finish, together with 12 factors and 6 assists.
Hart has been the most effective rebounding wings within the NBA for years, however he is particularly turned it up since becoming a member of the Knicks in a deadline deal in February 2023. He is averaging eight rebounds per recreation as a Knick, 1.6 of them on the offensive finish.
That deal reunited Hart together with his school teammate at Villanova, Jalen Brunson, who had 9 assists on Christmas, exhibiting the spirit of giving. However it was a 3rd former Wildcat, Mikal Bridges, who scored huge, placing up 41 factors and sinking six three-pointers.
The Villanova trio spoiled the Christmas Day debut of French 20-year-old Wembanyama, who scored 42 factors and grabbed 18 rebounds in a efficiency that ought to cinch his place on the nice listing from Père Noël subsequent yr. He grew to become solely the third participant to place up 40+ factors and 15+ rebounds in a Christmas recreation, together with all-timers Nikola Jokic and Wilt Chamberlain.
However after Chris Paul made a 3 to chop the Knicks’ result in three, the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama could not get a nineteenth rebound to present his group an opportunity to tie late.
Identical to what occurred to the Grinch after his unsuccessful try and steal Christmas, it appeared that Hart grew three sizes within the last seconds. If the Knicks dine collectively after the sport, Hart needs to be allowed to carve the roast beast.
