Other than being the sparkplug for the New York Knicks, Josh Hart has earned a reputation as one of the league’s most notorious trolls both online and offline. He has certainly provided memorable and hilarious moments on the hardwood that have entertained players and fans.
One thing to know about his trolling is that he takes no prisoners, from his teammates and coaches to NBA legends. He simply is out to wreak havoc by provoking others online or responding to certain comments they made. He will certainly not tolerate it when it is disrespectful.
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That’s exactly what happened after Paul Pierce boldly claimed that the Boston Celtics caused their own downfall during the 2025 Eastern Conference semifinals, discounting the fact that the Knicks delivered a respectable beatdown of the then-defending champions to reach the conference finals.
The comments gained Hart’s ire and he recently clapped back, saying that New York will replicate its thrashing of Boston should the two teams match up once more in the playoffs.
“NY is running through Boston,” Hart wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
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It was all New York
To disregard the Knicks’ talent during that series would simply be outrageous, something Pierce did recently. Before this, he already diminished New York’s victory by saying that the team defeated an injured Boston.
They had 20-point leads in the first two games — at home — and they lost them both? Yeah, they blew that series,” he said. “That had nothing to do with the Knicks’ talent and all that.
The team shot 43.9 percent from the field and dominated Boston in the rebound and assist departments. The Knicks also showed up big time on defense as they stifled the usually hot-shooting Celtics.
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New York was being led by Jalen Brunson, who was hungry to prove that he was a winner, with averages of 26.2 points and 7.2 assists during the series.
Karl Anthony-Towns, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, as well as Hart, provided key help to Brunson. Meanwhile, the bench, led by Mitchell Robinson, also stepped up, especially during the most clutch moments of the series.
Indeed, the Celtics are not faultless and certain factors, such as Jayson Tatum’s injury, gave the Knicks advantage. But looking back at the series and the stat sheet, one would see that it was all New York.
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Can NY run through Boston?
It would not be crazy to take Hart’s comments seriously. If one were to check New York’s roster, the 2025 Eastern Conference finalists are more than equipped to battle Boston once more.
The Knicks are starting a new chapter under former NBA coach of the year Mike Brown. He recently replaced Tom Thibodeau, ending his five-year stint with the team.
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Brown will be leading one of the most effective starting lineups in the league, composed of Brunson, Hart, Anunoby, Bridges and KAT on top of a reliable and solid bench.
During the offseason, New York further bolstered its lineup, adding more depth with the signing of guard Jordan Clarkson and French big man Guerschon Yabusele.
With these free agency moves, Bleacher Report ruled that the Knicks are the biggest winners of the offseason.
Meanwhile, Boston lost crucial pieces of their championship team in Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. Tatum’s return has still not been confirmed as well.
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New York is entering a new era with Brown and the team helmed by Brunson is looking to finish what they started with hope of ending the franchise’s finals drought.
As long as the Knicks stay healthy and the stars and role players contribute, there’s reason to believe that New York can beat Boston and even better and equally possible, the rest of the Eastern Conference too.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.