Josh Hart demanded Knicks let him guard CJ McCollum — it flipped the series: ‘The challenge I wanted’
Josh Hart insisted on taking the defensive assignment against CJ McCollum during the Knicks' playoff series against the Hawks, believing he could stop McCollum's scoring surge. His switch to primary defender coincided with a turnaround in the series, helping the Knicks overcome a 2-1 deficit. Hart embraced the challenge, citing his competitive drive and confidence in his defensive abilities.
- ▪CJ McCollum averaged 30 points in the first two games of the series against the Knicks.
- ▪Josh Hart demanded to guard McCollum after seeing him dominate early in the series.
- ▪The defensive switch contributed to the Knicks flipping the series after being down 2-1.
- ▪Hart is known for his competitive spirit and relentless effort on both ends of the floor.
- ▪The series shift occurred during the 2026 NBA playoffs between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks.
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New York Knicks Stefan Bondy Josh Hart demanded Knicks let him guard CJ McCollum — it flipped the series: ‘The challenge I wanted’ By Stefan Bondy Published May 1, 2026, 6:02 p.m. ET CJ McCollum drives against Josh Hart during the Knicks' April 23 game against the Hawks. Getty Images Josh Hart’s pride was kicking in. It was that competitive spirit we see play out with each loose ball Hart collects, each drive he takes fearlessly into traffic. See Also beyond the back page The Knicks star who deserves to be re-considered after mind-blowing first-round clincher Hart saw CJ McCollum was cooking the Knicks, a development that left his team in a sticky 2-1 series deficit to the Hawks. Hart believed, rightfully so, he could stop it.
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