Knicks’ Josh Hart to Put Tight Bond With Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell to the Test

Knicks guard/forward Josh Hart is expected to spend plenty of time defending Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell during their first-round playoff matchup.

It’s a big assignment for Hart, acquired from the Trail Blazers ahead of the February trade deadline. And if nothing else, Hart knows Mitchell well.

“I was on FaceTime with him earlier [Wednesday],” Hart said of Mitchell, via Zach Braziller of the New York Post. “We have the same barber, have to make sure the barber was there so I can get a fresh cut. It’s exciting because that’s someone I’ve known for the last seven years. Someone who I’ve watched grow in the league. Someone who has a great personality, a high character kid. So it’ll be fun. We play video games together. We talk trash. Hang out.”

Mitchell is also having a career year in his first season in Cleveland. He was already darn good while with the Jazz. Now, you will likely see his name on the All-NBA list. If not the first team, then certainly on one of the top three.

As for the Knicks’ defense, coach Tom Thibodeau has made it sound as if the Knicks will try to slow down Mitchell by committee.

But without question, Hart will get plenty of cracks at his close friend.

“As a competitor, if you’re not excited for these matchups, for these games, I think you’re kind of in the wrong sport,” Hart said, via Braziller. “When you’re playing against the Donovan Mitchells in the league, someone who is a good scorer on all three levels, someone who is shooting almost 50 percent from the field, 38 from 3, high-80s from the [free-throw] line, he’s getting it done from everywhere on the court. So definitely getting excited for someone like that.”