Josh Hart Benched After Scoreless Performance in Knicks Loss to Pacers

Josh Hart failed to score and remained on the bench for the fourth quarter of the Knicks' 106-104 NBA Cup loss to Indiana.

The New York Knicks fell to 6-6 on the season following a 106-104 NBA Cup loss to the Indiana Pacers on Friday. Wing Josh Hart finished the contest with zero points on 0-for-4 shooting from the field and did not play during the fourth quarter. While Hart struggled, teammate Mikal Bridges converted 8 of 12 shots for 18 points, though OG Anunoby shot just 4-for-13 in the defeat.

Following the game, Hart told reporters he is "not in a good headspace" and must figure out how to improve his mental approach and on-court play. The veteran is currently averaging a career-low 7.3 points per game while dealing with an illness and a sore ankle. He has not surpassed the 10-point mark in six consecutive games, a stretch dating back to Oct. 25.

Internal struggles extend to other members of the roster, as Anunoby noted he was unsure why he is failing to convert baskets near the rim. These performance issues follow an Oct. 9 announcement from the Knicks that contract extension talks with Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns have been tabled for the time being. Hart had previously expressed hope to reach a new deal before the start of the season.