Josh Hart secured the basketball one last time against the 76ers on Thursday night. It was a dramatic, hail mary type of last-ditch heave from Buddy Hield that clanked off the backboard, almost in slow motion. It became like a missile seeking Hart’s possession, it was his 14th and final rebound as the buzzer sounded on New York’s Game 6 victory over Joel Embiid and Co. The Knicks’ clutch swingman — the 6-foot-4 giant on the glass who’s averaged 12.3 boards per game these playoffs — then waved the crowd goodbye, following his brilliant 3-pointer with 24.4 seconds left to play. This ultimately proved to be the decisive dagger in New York’s 118-115 survival and 4-2 series win. Hart understandably held that game ball close, cradled to his hip, strutting around the court through post-game pleasantries with Philadelphia players and personnel.
