Josh Hart is Knicks’ heartbeat — even with all the complaining

Josh Hart complains about what he has to do. It’s a part of his personality, a kvetch. Then he proceeds to passionately, diligently, perform whatever task he was just griping about. 

You know the type, if it’s not yourself. The guy who grumbles out loud about mowing the lawn only to finish the job with the sweat equity of an ultramarathoner or precision of a backyard Da Vinci. 

And if that’s a plea for appreciation, we’re here to give it to the hard-nosed Hart. He deserves it. 

Through all the injuries and roller coasters, no Knick has devoted his body to this season as consistently as Hart. The shot is erratic, as we know, sometimes aggravating with the way defenses leave him wide open on the perimeter. 

But there’s never been a performance that casts doubt on Hart’s commitment to the task. Only his words. And everybody understands it at this point. 

“I think he just talks the talk, if that makes sense,” Jalen Brunson said. “He’s like a — I’m going to be nice — he says whatever he wants to say, but when he goes out there, when it’s time to compete, it doesn’t matter who or what is in front of him.”