Josh Hart Claims Star Power Could Fuel Knicks’ Playoff Success

NEW YORK, April 18, 2025 — The New York Knicks are set to kick off their NBA playoff campaign against the Detroit Pistons this Saturday, April 19, 2025, and guard Josh Hart has humorously suggested a surprising strategy for success: enlisting the presence of actress Anne Hathaway or Olympic champion Suni Lee for each game.

The Knicks, who finished the regular season as the third seed in the Eastern Conference with a 51-31 record, will face off against the sixth-seeded Pistons (44-38) in a best-of-seven series at Madison Square Garden. Hart’s lighthearted comment, made during an episode of his ‘Roommates Show’ podcast, centers on his teammate OG Anunoby‘s impressive performances when these celebrities have been in attendance.

In a discussion with teammate Jalen Brunson and entrepreneur Matt Hillman, Hart quipped, ‘We need Suni or Anne Hathaway at every game during this playoff run,’ attributing Anunoby’s standout play to the star power of these courtside guests. Anunoby scored 32 points during the Knicks’ victory over the Phoenix Suns on April 6, a game where Lee was present, leading fans to speculate whether her attendance sparked his performance.

Brunson echoed Hart’s sentiments, noting Anunoby’s consistent improvement throughout the season. ‘What I’ve seen from him is someone who comes in every day, does his job, and works on his game,’ he said. ‘When we needed it most, he just stepped up.’ Anunoby averaged 27.6 points per game from March 20 to April 6, highlighting his significant contributions to the team.

The playful banter about needing celebrity support isn’t entirely without merit; both Hathaway and Lee have been associated with Anunoby’s standout performances. Following a December game, Anunoby even bumped into Hathaway, spilling popcorn on her, to which she humorously responded on social media, thanking him for the near-miss encounter.

Despite the jokes, the Knicks understand the weight of the playoffs. They will face a Pistons team eager to upend expectations. The first game of the series will set the tone for the Knicks, who aim to build on their regular-season successes, while the Pistons are looking to make a surprising run.

As the pressure mounts, the Knicks are hoping for more than just entertainment from celebrity guests. With a well-rounded roster and Anunoby’s exceptional form, they anticipate a memorable postseason. Whether Hathaway or Lee will indeed be in attendance remains to be seen, but Hart’s comments have certainly generated buzz as Game 1 approaches.