Kristina Roberts
Basketball is not just a game of speed and skill—it is also a game of emotions. This was clear when New York Knicks forward Josh Hart was ejected during the team’s preseason opener against the Philadelphia 76ers in Abu Dhabi on October 2, 2025. What should have been a fresh start for the new season quickly turned into a frustrating night for Hart, who suffered what looked like a painful injury and then lost his cool in the heat of the moment.
The incident happened early in the second quarter. Hart had just grabbed a rebound from a missed three-pointer by Sixers rookie Johni Broome. With the ball in his hands, he turned and began to dribble up the court. But as Philadelphia guard Kennedy Chandler closed in on him, Hart suddenly stumbled and slipped, falling hard to the floor. His face showed discomfort as he winced in pain, and Chandler tied him up for a jump ball. What came next shocked fans watching both in the arena and at home.
Once the whistle blew, Hart, clearly upset, picked up the ball and flung it into the stands. The action wasn’t just a small outburst—it was a major violation in professional basketball. He rolled and writhed in front of the 76ers’ bench, visibly hurting. Philadelphia head coach Nick Nurse leaned down to check on him while the referees discussed what had just happened. Within moments, the call was made. Hart was given a technical foul for his outburst and then ejected from the game.
The sight of Hart leaving the court was difficult for Knicks fans. He gingerly walked toward the locker room, holding his lower back and moving slowly. For someone who had just come off a strong 2024–25 season, this was a painful and frustrating way to begin the new campaign. By the time he exited, Hart had only played a little more than seven minutes, scoring two points, grabbing three rebounds, and handing out one assist. That would be the entirety of his preseason debut.
Last season, Hart was an important piece for the Knicks. He started in all 77 of his regular-season games, averaging 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. He also contributed defensively, averaging 1.5 steals, while playing heavy minutes for the team. His energy, hustle, and rebounding ability often made him stand out as one of the Knicks’ most reliable role players. This is why his injury and ejection carried extra weight—it wasn’t just about one game, but also about the larger question of how prepared he would be for the coming season.
Interestingly, in this preseason opener, Hart did not start the game. Instead, new Knicks head coach Mike Brown chose to put Mitchell Robinson and Karl-Anthony Towns in the starting lineup together. This decision seemed to reflect an experiment that began under the Knicks’ former coach Tom Thibodeau. Back in the Eastern Conference finals against the Indiana Pacers earlier this year, Thibodeau made the change at Hart’s suggestion, shifting lineups to better handle the Pacers’ size. Coach Brown, continuing from there, gave Robinson and Towns the nod in Abu Dhabi.
However, Brown was quick to remind reporters that nothing was final. He explained that preseason games are meant to test different rotations and strategies. According to him, the Knicks’ starting lineup would take shape over time. “The team’s starting lineup will materialize throughout camp,” he said, stressing that he planned to “be methodical with [his] approach” before making any big decisions. For now, it was all about experimenting and seeing what worked best.
Hart’s frustration after the fall seemed to come from more than just the injury. Preseason is a time when players are eager to prove themselves, shake off the rust, and get into game rhythm. For someone like Hart, who is known for his toughness and never-give-up attitude, slipping and falling in such a simple play must have felt like a personal setback. Throwing the ball into the stands may not have been the right choice, but it showed just how much he cares about performing well and helping his team.
The fans, too, felt the impact of his ejection. Many of them had traveled or tuned in to watch the Knicks play in Abu Dhabi, an international stage meant to showcase NBA talent to the world. Instead, they witnessed one of the team’s key players leaving the court earlier than expected. This raised questions: How serious was his injury? Would he be able to return quickly? And how would the Knicks adjust if he had to miss more games?
What makes Hart so important to the Knicks is not just his stats, but also his heart. Teammates and coaches often praise his energy and unselfishness. He is the type of player who does the little things—fighting for loose balls, boxing out taller opponents, or diving on the floor for rebounds. His presence makes the Knicks tougher and more competitive. That is why every Knicks fan is hoping this injury is nothing serious and that his preseason ejection is just a small bump on the road to a long season.
For now, the Knicks will have to move forward without Hart until he is cleared to play again. Preseason games are not as important as the regular season, but they do help a team build chemistry, test new strategies, and prepare mentally for the grind ahead. Without Hart in the rotation, the Knicks will need other players to step up and show what they can do. This could also give Coach Brown a chance to evaluate different combinations before the real games begin.
The preseason may not carry the same weight as playoff games or regular-season battles, but moments like these remind us that basketball is unpredictable. One slip, one fall, or one emotional reaction can change everything. For Josh Hart, this was supposed to be a fresh start, but instead, it became a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong. His teammates, coaches, and fans will be waiting to see how he bounces back.
Basketball seasons are long, and setbacks are part of the journey. Hart has faced challenges before, and his determination has always been his strength. While his ejection and injury may be the headlines today, his story is far from over. As the Knicks continue their preseason journey in Abu Dhabi and beyond, all eyes will be on Hart’s recovery and his return to the court.
Because in the end, Josh Hart is more than just a player—he is the kind of teammate who brings fire and fight every time he steps on the floor. And the Knicks will need exactly that as they chase bigger dreams in the season ahead.
