In Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Wednesday, the Boston Celtics displayed a notably physical approach to their defense against the New York Knicks, particularly targeting forward Josh Hart. Amidst the intensity, Hart suffered a bloody encounter after colliding with Luke Kornet’s elbow.
A moment from the game that caught significant attention on social media involved Celtics star Jaylen Brown. As he attempted to navigate around Hart’s ball screen, he was seen making a rather unconventional play that included grabbing Hart’s lower area, which led to some humorous banter among fans and commentators alike. Hart’s wife, Shannon, shared her thoughts on the incident, simply posting “Weird” on the platform X.
Josh Hart has consistently been a challenging opponent for the Celtics throughout the series, showcasing his ability to disrupt their play and make crucial contributions during the Knicks’ three victories. As the best-of-seven series progresses to Madison Square Garden for Game 6 on Friday, fans can expect another fierce battle, with both Hart and Brown likely confronting each other again.
This ongoing rivalry not only highlights the competitive nature of the playoffs but also brings an entertaining element to the matches as players engage in both physical and psychological tactics. The Celtics will need to tighten their defense further, while the Knicks will look to capitalize on Hart’s resilient performance in the upcoming game.