NBA Notes: Knicks, Josh Hart, Celtics, Joe Mazzulla, Spencer Dinwiddie

Knicks

The Knicks are feeling the absence of Josh Hart, and it’s showing in places that rarely jump out in a box score.

Since Hart went down with a sprained ankle, New York is 2-3, and the usual edge has been dulled. Less pace. Fewer extra possessions. Less noise in transition.

“At the end of the day, having Josh out there helps a ton,” coach Mike Brown said, via Jared Schwartz of the New York Post. “Right now, our pace is not good. We’re walking the ball up almost every time.”

Brown pointed to breakdowns in the team’s staples. Ball movement. Paint touches. Quick decisions. All of it has lagged during the past two games.

Without Hart, New York experimented by starting Mitchell Robinson and Karl-Anthony Towns together. The results have been uneven, including another loss to Philadelphia.

“Obviously, we miss him,” Jalen Brunson said. “But there’s no excuse. We’ve gotta step up.”

Celtics

Boston believes it has found itself.

Coach Joe Mazzulla said the past month has clarified what this team wants to be on a nightly basis.

“We’ve developed our identity,” Mazzulla said, via Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated. “Now we have to do it every night.”

What was supposed to be a reset season has turned into momentum. Derrick White, who scored 29 against the Clippers, said the hunger is real.

“A lot of guys have a chip on their shoulder,” White said. “It’s been a lot of fun.”

International

Veteran guard Spencer Dinwiddie has officially parted ways with Bayern Munich, the team announced.

The split was mutual. Dinwiddie had been granted permission to return to the United States due to a serious family matter and acknowledged he is not currently in a position to play.

“I felt very comfortable in Munich,” Dinwiddie said in a statement. “Unfortunately, I am not able to continue right now.”

Dinwiddie, an 11-year NBA veteran, signed with Bayern after being waived by the Hornets in October following a preseason roster crunch.