Hart’s role for the Knicks is simply to do whatever they need. In this game, they needed him to score more, and he did just that. In a low-scoring affair, Hart led both teams in scoring to help the Knicks go up 2-0 in this series, which will now shift back to New York. Hart played 43 minutes after logging 45 minutes in Game 1 and will continue to play the majority of each game for the rest of New York’s postseason run.

Hart entered Monday having collected at least 10 rebounds in 42 games, including three during the Knicks’ first-round series against Detroit. He had another such performance in Monday’s series opener, with five rebounds being of the offensive variety. Hart finished one blocked shot shy of a complete stat line, as his fingerprints were all over a game the Knicks trailed by as much as 20 before rallying for the overtime win. New York will look to extend its series lead in Game 2 on Wednesday.

Hart recorded a complete stat line on Tuesday, which included him shooting over 50 percent from the field for the first time since Game 1. Unfortunately, he suffered a lower back injury due to an awkward fall during the fourth quarter. The Knicks trailed by two when Hart and Jalen Brunson (ankle) exited with 2:57 remaining, and Detroit would extend its lead to six by the time those two returned with 27.1 seconds remaining. It’s fair to assume Hart will do everything he can to be on the court for Game 6 on Thursday, but he will undoubtedly be sore on Wednesday morning.