The New York Knicks are finally back to winning ways after they beat the Philadelphia 76ers. It looked like it was touch and go there for a while after they lost two consecutive games against the first two seeds in the Eastern Conference. And it wasn’t that they lost but the manner in which they were defeated—by the Cavs especially. Well, Josh Hart has made a vow to ensure that a situation like the Cavs game doesn’t repeat itself. However, that’ll be easier said than done, considering the latest injury blow to the Knicks.

For not aware, the New York Knicks were demolished by the Cavs, 142-105. It was an embarrassing loss, and despite not being a part of the team that night, Josh Hart vows this change will ensure such an embarrassment never comes his way. “I’m looking at how it looks on National TV, getting smacked by 30. And how embarrassing it looks,” he said on his podcast with Jalen Brunson.

He continued, “And I’m sitting there like, ‘I don’t wanna go out there and miss an assignment on any possession. I don’t wanna go out there and feel like I’m not playing hard on any position.’ Cause that’s what it looks like.” His co-host, Brunson, agreed with him, saying that the Knicks just aren’t ready yet.

Hearing this from someone as defensively sound as Josh Hart must be reassuring for Knicks fans. The Knicks gave the Cavs free rein to score from beyond the arc. This showed as Cleveland made 51.4% of their 3-point attempts per ESPN. In stark contrast, the Cavs were only able to make 32.1% of their attempted 3-pointers with Josh Hart hounding when the two teams faced off for the first time this season back in October.

Moreover, Hart led his team in rebounds in that game, which was crucial in keeping the scoreline so close. However, without him around this time, the Cavs ran amok, picking up 47 rebounds to the Knicks’ 32. But the worst part is the disparity in how many points both teams scored in the paint. The Cavs scored 66 compared to the Knicks’ 38. With Hart on the floor, the Knicks outdid the Cavs 54-52. Clearly, his absence was a big factor in the Cavs demolishing the Knicks.

However, speaking of absences, there’s been another injury to a player that leaves the Knicks short-handed in a critical position on the court.

Knicks dealt with another injury blow as center Ariel Hukporti suffers meniscus tear amid Josh Hart’s absence

The Knicks are already missing one of their best players in Karl-Anthony Towns. He missed the win over the 76ers after an injury in the previous game against the Boston Celtics. But now an injury to rookie Ariel Hukporti leaves the Knicks in a really bad spot.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Ariel Hukporti suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee. This is a devastating injury that usually takes weeks to heal. And unsurprisingly, ESPN reports that Hukporti may remain sidelined for the next 4 to 6 weeks. It seems Ariel suffered this injury in his first start for the Knicks against the 76ers.

With Mitchell Robinson out as well, Precious Achiuwa is now the only healthy center remaining on the Knicks roster. He only has 8 starts this season. And he’s averaging 7 points per game with 5.7 rebounds. Not exactly what you’d call the best replacement for KAT.

Nevertheless, Knicks fans will be grateful for Josh Hart’s return. Moreover, it’s not like their season is over. They sit third in the Eastern Conference, poised to make a deep playoff run. However, like Brunson said in the podcast, the Knicks aren’t ready yet. But with the return of KAT and Mitchell Robinson making his debut this weekend, they will be.