Knicks Playoff X-Factor: Josh Hart's Shooting

Former All-Star Wally Szczerbiak breaks down how the Knicks' supporting cast can make a difference in the playoffs.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:20am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game in abstract, overlapping shapes and planes of color, with the players' forms deconstructed into dynamic, angular forms.The Knicks' supporting cast, led by the versatile Josh Hart, could provide the geometric energy and complementary skills needed to power the team's playoff push.NYC Today

NBA analyst and former All-Star Wally Szczerbiak believes the Knicks are better equipped for playoff success this year, with the depth of their roster and the different lineups coach Mike Brown can deploy. Szczerbiak highlighted Josh Hart as a key X-factor, saying his shooting and chemistry with Jalen Brunson will be crucial in close, must-win games.

Why it matters

The Knicks are aiming to take the next step after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals last season. With an experienced starting lineup and a versatile bench, they have high expectations to make a championship run this postseason.

The details

Szczerbiak praised the Knicks' ability to adjust their rotations and matchups based on the opponent, something he experienced firsthand playing for Brown in Cleveland. He believes the Knicks' depth, including players like Landry Shamet, Mitchell Robinson, and Miles McBride, gives them more options to counter different styles of play. Szczerbiak singled out Josh Hart as a potential X-factor, saying his confidence shooting the ball and chemistry with Brunson could be a difference-maker in close games.

  • The Knicks face the Hawks in the first round of the playoffs.

The players

Wally Szczerbiak

A former NBA All-Star and current NBA analyst who will be part of MSG Network's playoff coverage of the Knicks.

Mike Brown

The Knicks' head coach, known for his ability to adjust rotations and matchups in the playoffs.

Jalen Brunson

The Knicks' starting point guard, who has taken on a larger role as the team's leader this season.

Josh Hart

The Knicks' starting small forward, whose shooting and chemistry with Brunson could be a key factor in the playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“I like it, especially with the way he's shooting the ball. He brings such intangibles to that starting lineup, he doesn't have to shoot, he does all the other little things while all the other guys are looking to be aggressive and score. I think Josh Hart's confidence shooting the basketball is in a great place, and that's one thing that I think hurt the Knicks a little bit in last year's playoffs, the fact that he didn't trust his 3-point shooting, and as a result teams were able to load up defensively on all of the other guys. They can't do that this year.”

— Wally Szczerbiak, NBA Analyst

What’s next

The Knicks and Hawks will tip off their first-round playoff series on Saturday, April 19th at Madison Square Garden.

The takeaway

With an experienced starting lineup and a deep, versatile bench, the Knicks are well-equipped to make a deep playoff run this season. The play of role players like Josh Hart, who can provide shooting and complementary skills around the team's stars, could be the difference in close, must-win games.