Josh Hart toasts MSG before ECF: ‘Best atmosphere in the league’

The New York Knicks end their long layover officially on Tuesday. Josh Hart is among the Knicks who took the lengthy time off after sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers. Now he can’t wait to be inside the “best atmosphere in the league” in Madison Square Garden for the NBA Playoffs’ Eastern Conference Finals.

The New York veteran made sure to hand his roses to MSG Monday, and the crowd who’ll soon fill the seats at the venue.

“They always come out and show love. Definitely the best atmosphere in the league,” Hart bluntly said.

"Definitely the best atmosphere in the league"

Josh Hart talks about playing at MSG in the ECF pic.twitter.com/dJxM54p4V5

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Knicks fans have returned to the league spotlight in the franchise’s turnaround. The franchise has delivered four consecutive postseason runs, but are making consecutive trips to the ECF for the first time since 1999 and 2000.

Hart also has helped lead the Knicks to their most victories since 2012-13, when the team ended with a 54-28 record. But that Mike Woodson-led New York team fell in the semifinal round of the postseason.

This one ended at 53-29 under first-year head coach Mike Brown. Plus the Knicks closed their series against the Atlanta Hawks in blowout fashion before making quick work of the Sixers.

New York is fueling new confidence ahead of its ECF return. Jalen Brunson is one embracing this run and being encouraged to not let the foot off the gas pedal. Brunson still has last year’s conference finals appearance fresh on his mind, which was an Indiana Pacers series win.

Now NYK takes on a red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers team brimming with their own confidence. The Cavs took down the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in blowout fashion Sunday during Game 7. But Cleveland is entering one of the louder playoff venues with noise levels bound to disrupt the Cavs’ play.

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