The heightened level of physical play in the 2025 NBA playoffs has been a frequent topic of conversation, and this intensity was starkly illustrated during Wednesday`s Game 5 between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics. Knicks forward Josh Hart sustained a blow to the face from an elbow, which left him bleeding on the court. Tensions were already high, as it was an elimination game with the Knicks holding a 3-1 series advantage.
Roughly three and a half minutes into the first quarter, Hart received a pass from point guard Jalen Brunson and drove towards the basket for a layup attempt. As Celtics center Luke Kornet moved over to defend the rim, his elbow inadvertently made hard contact with Hart just above his left eye. Hart immediately fell to the floor, with blood quickly gushing from the injury.
After getting back on his feet, Hart initially headed towards the locker room but was required to remain on the court to shoot his free throws in order to stay in the game. The New York training staff attended to the cut on the bench, applying a substantial bandage so Hart could shoot. He managed to sink both free throws, a notable feat considering his vision was likely impaired by the blow.
Hart continued playing for two more possessions before being substituted out. He returned to the game with just under 10 minutes left in the second quarter, wearing a slightly smaller bandage over the cut, and showed no immediate signs of discomfort.
Entering Game 5, Hart had been a vital two-way player for the Knicks, averaging 12.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists through 10 playoff games. His importance to New York`s strategy is underscored by his league-leading average of 38 minutes per game during the regular season.
His rapid return to play suggests that he likely avoided a concussion, although it is probable that he received stitches for the laceration before rejoining his teammates on the court.
Jasper Hawthorne