New York Knicks forward Josh Hart has dismissed rumors suggesting the team held a players-only meeting following their disappointing defeat to the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night.
“We didn’t have a players-only meeting. That’s just being exaggerated,” Hart clarified after the Knicks broke their losing streak by defeating the Brooklyn Nets with a record-breaking 54-point margin on Wednesday. “I have no idea where that came from, but there was no players-only meeting.”
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne had reported that team captain Jalen Brunson organized a players-only meeting after the Knicks suffered their ninth loss in the last 11 games against the Mavericks. Hart, however, insisted that these claims were overstated.
“We talked, but it wasn’t anything major. That story got blown out of proportion,” Hart explained. “We understand what needs to be done. We addressed things during our film sessions and practice, as well as during today’s walkthrough. We’re aware we haven’t been performing to our potential, but we’re determined to build on this victory.”
Hart also emphasized the importance of introspection for the team, stressing that the Knicks need to reflect deeply if they hope to salvage their season after the loss to the Mavericks.
“We all need to look within ourselves,” he stated. “Our current level of play is embarrassing. Offensively, we’re failing to execute, and defensively, we’ve been dreadful throughout the season.”
Brunson said the team did some of that soul-searching in-between games, but noted they have a long way to go to right their wrongs after a New Year’s stretch sent them tumbling in the win-loss column.
“Just sticking together, talking it through, having each other’s back, worrying about the little things on the court — not just the stats, but the stuff that doesn’t make the stat sheet. The stuff that actually makes a difference in close games that can break teams. So that’s what we’ve gotta continue to focus on,” he said. “We just had to be focused and get back to who we are and this is a good start for us but we’ve gotta continue to press the issue.”
