The New York Knicks, powered by a trio of former Villanova superstars, have shocked the basketball world again by storming back from a 20-point deficit and defeating the reigning NBA Champion Celtics on their home court. Now, they head back to New York hoping to knock out the super team.
The two games were sealed with game-winning defense by former Villanova player Mikal Bridges, who stole the ball off Jaylen Brown in Game 1 and blocked Jayson Tatum in Game 2. Bridges isn’t the only Villanova star outplaying Celtics superstars, as Josh Hart is also outscoring Jayson Tatum through the first two games.
“Villanova” Knicks Shock NBA With 2-0 Series Lead Over Mighty Boston Celtics
The New York Knicks currently have three players from Villanova’s 2016 NCAA title-winning squad, and all three are the driving force behind the Knicks’ run this year.
In Game 2 of the series against the Celtics, Josh Hart scored 23 points for New York, trailing by 20 points in the third quarter and by 16 in the fourth. He also contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds in Game 1. Hart averages 18.5 points per game in the series compared to Tatum’s 18.0 PPG.
Josh Hart is outscoring Jayson Tatum through the first two games of the series 😳
Tatum averaged 31.3 PPG in Boston’s opening series vs. Orlando. pic.twitter.com/d1yd2crTeR
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) May 8, 2025
After considering offers from Rutgers and Penn State, Hart signed a letter of intent with Villanova in November 2012. Hart was named the Big East Tournament’s most outstanding player.
As a junior, he was named a third-team All-American when he helped lead the Wildcats to a national championship in 2016. Hart was selected by the Utah Jazz as the 30th overall pick in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft, but he was traded on draft night to the Los Angeles Lakers.
He played two seasons for the Lakers before being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019 in a package for Anthony Davis. Hart played three seasons with the Pelicans and was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2022. He was traded to the New York Knicks in 2023.
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On January 19, 2022, the Villanova Wildcats retired Hart’s number 3 jersey.
Now, he has the chance to find championship glory again. But first, he’ll have to finish the task of knocking out the 2024 NBA Champions.
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