Knicks’ Josh Hart Jokes About Playoff Secret Weapon

NEW YORK, NY — The No. 3 New York Knicks are set to commence their playoff journey against the No. 6 Detroit Pistons on Saturday night, and guard Josh Hart believes he has stumbled upon a unique strategy for success. During a recent episode of his podcast, Roommates Show, Hart humorously suggested that actress Anne Hathaway or gymnast Sunisa Lee should attend every playoff game to ensure a standout performance from wing OG Anunoby.

Hart’s revelation comes as the Knicks aim for a deep playoff run, with Anunoby having delivered some impressive performances this season, particularly when both Hathaway and Lee were in the stands. “We need Suni or Anne Hathaway at every game during this playoff run,” Hart quipped, immediately capturing the whimsical essence of sports fandom.

Co-host Matt Hillman chimed in, prompting Hart for his take on Anunoby. “Honestly, what I’ve seen from him is the person who’s coming every day to do his job, work on his game,” said Jalen Brunson, another Knicks star. He praised Anunoby’s consistency and ability to elevate his play when it mattered most.

Brunson went on to describe Anunoby as a quiet but formidable presence on the court, stating, “He’s obviously a quiet guy, he’s a soft spoken guy, but when he goes out there he’s a different person. You can see by the way he plays.” He also highlighted the timing of Anunoby’s contributions as being particularly crucial for the team.

Statistically, Anunoby’s performance has noticeably improved as the season has progressed. In March, he averaged 23.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, and so far in April, he’s averaged 22.3 points with 5.5 assists. Significantly, his standout games coincided with Hathaway’s attendance when he scored 14 points and recorded nine rebounds on November 13, 2024, and Lee’s presence when he scored 18 points on December 3, 2024, and 32 points on April 6. These results have led to a lighthearted debate about the potential impact of celebrity fans in the stands.

The impact of motivation from celebrities on players during crucial games has been a topic of interest in sports culture, blending the worlds of athletics and entertainment. As the Knicks gear up for their playoff matchup against the Pistons, the question lingers: could the presence of Hathaway and Lee indeed be the key to unlocking OG Anunoby’s full potential? Only time will tell as the playoffs unfold.