Hart attributes analytics remark to coach Jay Wright during postgame remarks

New York Knicks forward Josh Hart scored a playoff career-high 26 points in the Knicks' 109-93 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals at Madison Square Garden on 21 May 2026. After the game, Hart addressed a question about analytics during the postgame press conference.

Hart said he is not a major proponent of analytics, comparing them to "a lamp post to a drunk person" that one can lean on but that will not get a person home. He added that players must develop a feel for the game beyond statistical measures. Hart attributed the remark to his former Villanova coach, stating the quote came from Jerold Wright, referred to as Jay Wright.

Teammate Karl-Anthony Towns, seated at the podium, removed his glasses and expressed surprise at the analogy. Towns noted he had not heard the quote during his time with coach John Calipari at Kentucky, prompting Hart to reply that Towns had not attended college. Towns laughed at the exchange, and the moment drew laughter from assembled reporters.

In Game 1, Hart made one of five three-point attempts. In Game 2, he made five of 11 three-point attempts while leading the Knicks in scoring. The Knicks will face the Cavaliers in Game 3 of the series on 23 May 2026 at 8 p.m. ET.