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NEW YORK (AP)— On a night when Josh Hart shattered a long-standing New York Knicks franchise record that had been in place for 56 years, he chose to hand the game ball to a teammate who played just three minutes.
This act was yet another demonstration of Hart’s selflessness during a season filled with such moments for the eight-year veteran.
Hart surpassed the previous franchise record for single-season triple-doubles (9) set by Knicks legend Walt “Clyde” Frazier in 1969, by achieving 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists in New York’s 128-113 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night.
“It’s a blessing,” Hart expressed. “I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a fantastic, high-character group of players. It indicates that I’ve had at least nine solid performances this season.”
a career game in a career year for @joshhart📈pic.twitter.com/M49mZ6cg0Y
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 26, 2025
Despite his remarkable achievement, Hart gifted the game ball from the win to Kevin McCullar Jr., who scored his inaugural NBA basket during his debut game following a long recovery from a left-knee injury.
“For me, that was an obvious choice,” Hart stated. “While this record is impressive and I’m grateful for it, I know it will eventually be surpassed, hopefully much later. But making your first NBA points is something that no one can take away from you. It’s essential he received the game ball for that, and it was an easy decision for me.”
Hart did not record a triple-double throughout his first six seasons in the league, which included stints with the Lakers, Pelicans, and Trail Blazers. However, he has transformed into a triple-double producer in his two-plus years with New York. Over the last two seasons, he has secured 15 triple-doubles, matching LeBron James’ record in that timeframe, and only trails Nikola Jokic, Domantas Sabonis, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“The way he achieves it is remarkable,” noted Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns. “It’s all about energy and effort, aimed at benefiting the team.
“I’m thrilled that Josh is getting recognition for the stats that reflect his impact on the game. I believe there are many contributions that don’t appear on the stat sheet, and I’m glad he’s having this moment where his hard work and sacrifices for our team’s success are recognized through the stats.”
Hart’s monumental achievement was matched by Towns, marking the first time in the franchise’s 79-year history that two Knicks teammates recorded triple-doubles in the same game.
“(Hart) breaking the triple-double record is a tremendous achievement,” commented Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau. “Having (Towns) do it as well makes it truly special.”
Karl-Anthony Towns registered his first triple-double in three years, propelling the Knicks to victory over the Mavericks 128-113. Towns completed six assists in the opening quarter and reached his season high of seven by halftime. He sealed his third career triple-double, and first since January 30, 2022, with the Minnesota Timberwolves, in the third quarter, concluding the game with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists.
“In the early part of the game, it felt like the cuts to the basket were available,” Towns explained. “My teammates placed their trust in me off the ball in the middle of the court, and I aimed to repay that trust.”
Hart recalled being on the court with James and then-teammate Lonzo Ball when they both recorded triple-doubles in a Lakers win against the Charlotte Hornets on December 15, 2018. He treasured being part of NBA history twice.
“I was in LA when (James and Ball) accomplished that, and it sounded amazing,” Hart recalled. “Now it feels full circle being in that same situation with (Towns), and it’s truly special. I consider it a blessing.”
However, for Towns, who improved to 2-1 in games where he achieved double-digit points, rebounds, and assists, the victory was what mattered most. The Knicks improved their record to 45-26 and secured their second consecutive win.
“It means a lot that we achieved this in a win,” Towns remarked. “Ultimately, New York values victories more than triple-doubles. So it’s fitting that the city celebrated a ‘W’ today.”
