NBA

Josh Hart’s referee rant didn’t work out in Knicks’ Game 5 win

By
Social Links for Zach Braziller
Published May 11, 2023
Updated May 11, 2023, 1:48 p.m. ET

Josh Hart’s public criticism of the officiating after Game 4 of the Knicks’ Eastern Conference semifinals versus the Heat may not have helped him in Game 5.

He was whistled for four fouls in just nine minutes of playing time, his low as a Knick.

Hart also was called for a Flagrant 1 foul for intruding on Jimmy Butler’s landing spot after a 3-point attempt in the first half.

Hart finished with two points, two rebounds and an assist and a team-worst, minus-11 rating.

Josh Hart, who picked up four fouls in nine minutes, argues with the referee after being called for one of his fouls in the Knicks' 112-103 Game 5 win.
Josh Hart, who picked up four fouls in nine minutes, argues with the referee after being called for one of his fouls in the Knicks’ 112-103 Game 5 win. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Quentin Grimes and Jalen Brunson each played 48 minutes.

The last time two Knicks didn’t sit for a second in a playoff game was in 1972 against the Celtics, when Jerry Lucas and Walt “Clyde” Frazier played the entire game.

“I don’t know how they do that, but that’s unbelievable,” Mitchell Robinson said. “That’s kinda wild. That’s crazy. 48? Bruh. I don’t know. That’s crazy.”

Immanuel Quickley remained out with a sprained left ankle.

Follow The Post’s coverage of the Knicks vs. Heat NBA playoff series

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said he is improving, but is still day-to-day. Evan Fournier (illness) was also unavailable.

Jay Wright, who coached Hart, Brunson and the Heat’s Kyle Lowry at Villanova, was in attendance.

Fast break

Hero

Jalen Brunson astonishingly was on the court for all 48 minutes, leading the Knicks with 38 points and adding seven assists and nine rebounds in a 112-103 Game 5 victory over the Heat.

Zero

Gabe Vincent, shooting a jumper, scored just six points and missed seven of 10 shots in the Heat's loss.
Gabe Vincent, shooting a jumper, scored just six points and missed seven of 10 shots in the Heat’s loss. AP

Miami guard Gabe Vincent had his third straight rocky shooting game after totaling 41 points in the first two.

He missed seven of 10 shots (six points) and is shooting 5-for-25 over the past three games.

Unsung hero

Quentin Grimes also played the entire game, largely defending Jimmy Butler (19 points) while contributing eight points, five assists, two blocks and two steals.

Key stat

66.7 Fourth-quarter free-throw shooting percentage for Mitchell Robinson, who massively knocked down four of six from the line in the final 5:17 after opening the playoffs 7-for-25 (28 percent) from the line.

Quote of the Day

“Foul that!”

— Mitchell Robinson as he walked into the locker room after hitting his fourth-quarter free throws.

— Peter Botte