Victor Wembanyama and Karl-Anthony Towns are two of the NBA’s best 7-footers. But 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 in the final seconds, Hart hustled his way to two offensive rebounds, allowing the Knicks to run out the clock in their 117-114 win. He finished with 12 rebounds, five on the offensive end, along with 12 points and six assists.
Hart has been one of the best rebounding wings in the NBA for years, but he’s especially turned it up since joining the Knicks in a deadline deal in February 2023. He’s averaging eight rebounds per game as a Knick, 1.6 of them on the offensive end.
That deal reunited Hart with his college teammate at Villanova, Jalen Brunson, who had nine assists on Christmas, showing the spirit of giving. But it was a third former Wildcat, Mikal Bridges, who scored big, putting up 41 points and sinking six three-pointers.
The Villanova trio spoiled the Christmas Day debut of French 20-year-old Wembanyama, who scored 42 points and grabbed 18 rebounds in a performance that should cinch his place on the good list from Père Noël next year. He became only the third player to put up 40+ points and 15+ rebounds in a Christmas game, along with all-timers Nikola Jokic and Wilt Chamberlain.
But after Chris Paul made a three to cut the Knicks’ lead to three, the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama couldn’t get a 19th rebound to give his team a chance to tie late.
Just like what happened to the Grinch after his unsuccessful attempt to steal Christmas, it appeared that Hart grew three sizes in the final seconds. If the Knicks dine together after the game, Hart should be allowed to carve the roast beast.
