Mike Brown pleads ignorance on Josh Hart’s nerve issue
The The New York Knicks may have found their groove again after a much-needed 128-116 win over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday night, but it came with a surprising revelation about one of their key players. Veteran guard Josh Hartwho had 14 points, nine rebounds and three assists in the win, revealed after the game that he had been quietly dealing with a nerve problem in his right hand, a condition that he even caught his head coach, Mike Brownclumsy.
According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Hart explained that he played through “a little tingling, a little numbness” in his shooting hand. “Yeah, my nerves aren’t quite back to what they were before,” Hart said after the game. “Hopefully at some point that nerve will go back to where it was. Hopefully sooner rather than later, but right now it’s a process.”
When reporters relayed Hart’s comments to Mike Brown, the Knicks coach admitted he was unaware of the nerve problem.
“That’s news to me,” Brown said. “Casey (Smith, vice president of sports medicine) did it to the best of his ability, and so did Josh. He had 14 and 9 tonight, so if he’s healthy, oh my God, watch out. He’s playing well. He’s missed a lot of time, so he’s playing catch-up, and he’s doing well.”
give some respect 3⃣🫡
14 PTS | 9 REB | 3 AST | 1 STL pic.tvitter.com/6tgcVLRhUk
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@niknicks) November 3, 2025
The do-it-all striker also confirmed this he decided against surgery for now, preferring to manage the injury while he remains on the field. Despite the discomfort, Hart looked more like his old self against Chicagowho has had a perfect start to the season, delivering one of his most complete performances of the young season.
Hart’s revelation adds new context to his early season struggles. Known for his relentless energy, rebounding and defensive versatility, the 30-year-old hasn’t looked as sharp in the Knicks’ first few games, fueling speculation about his health and fitness.
However, if Sunday’s performance is any indication, Hart is turning the corner, even if his right arm isn’t quite there yet. The Knicks, who are now 2-4 on the season, will hope his resilience sparks a much-needed turnaround.
2025-11-03 18:34:00
