NY Knicks Guard Josh Hart Leans on Faith Amid Tough Playoff Stretch
By Movieguide® Contributor
New York Knicks shooting guard Josh Hart relied on his faith while he became the only athlete in the NBA playoffs to play 10 quarters of basketball straight—that’s two and a half games with no breaks.
“My Lord works in mysterious ways. Today, I felt like I didn’t have it at all. The whole game I was reciting Isaiah 40:29. The weak he renews strength. That was the biggest thing. He allows you to walk and not faint,” Hart said in an interview after last Thursday’s game against the Indiana Pacers.
Knicks guard Josh Hart on playing two entire playoff games: “My Lord works in mysterious ways. Today, I felt like I didn’t have it at all. The whole game I was reciting Isaiah 40:29. The weak he renews strength. That was the biggest thing. He allows you to walk and not faint.” pic.twitter.com/iOOwR0nO13
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 9, 2024
Weeks prior, Hart shared Isaiah 40:31 on his social media account along with a series of photos during the playoffs.
The verse reads, “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
The athlete often shares Bible verses on Instagram. Before Thursday’s match-up, Hart posted 2 Corinthians 12:9, which says, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Many of Hart’s followers commented on his post and offered prayers and encouragement as he went into Game Two.
Knicks super-fan Stephon Marbury commented, “Godspeed! You bring that every night. The NBA has never seen this level of drive before. When you make a highlight upon leaving the game, you carve out a lane in the NBA. Kids should be eager to learn your formula; it’s high-octane.”
Another fan commented a prayer for Hart: “Lord Jesus – we pray that you continue to allow J hart to play 48 and stay out of foul trouble. Lord, you have already blessed him by making him the best rebounder in the league, but lord, he wants to become an NBA champion. Please show him the way, in your name we pray.”
The Indiana Pacers tied the series up at 2-2 on Sunday. The Knicks will return home on Tuesday night for Game Five as they try to take the series lead.
Movieguide® recently reported on Minnesota Timberwolves player Mike Conley:
Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Mike Conley helped his team secure a 4-0 sweep against the Phoenix Suns to begin the NBA Playoffs.
But for Conley, life is about more than basketball.
“Jesus means the world,” he said in an interview. “Jesus means everything. It’s what I live for. He is what I do my work for in the community, passing on as much as I can to anybody that needs it.”
Because of his faith, he can compete without worrying about the pressure that comes with being a pro athlete.
“Life is much easier [with faith],” Conley continued. “You cut out a lot of nonsense. There are obviously a lot of temptations in the NBA. Being on TV, running into a bunch of people, you are always vulnerable to a lot of things. Being able to block that out and concentrate on your faith and living a good life is important.”
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