Hart’s Return Lifts Knicks; Koloko Awaits Decision in Memphis; Bulls-Heat Make-Up Game Set for Jan. 29
knicks-hart-grizzlies-koloko-bulls-heat-reschedule
Knicks
New York regained its usual spark with guard Josh Hart back in the starting five during Sunday’s 112-84 victory in Portland. Playing for the first time since spraining his right ankle on Christmas Day, Hart logged 31 minutes and produced 18 points, three rebounds and six assists.
“I felt like I could come in and help with where I am right now,” Hart told The Athletic, noting that lingering pain prevented an earlier return for the Jan. 6 matchup against the Clippers.
The Knicks had lost five of six without Hart, often falling behind early. With the win, they improved to 12-3 this season when he starts. “A lot of our guys are irreplaceable, but especially a guy like Josh,” coach Mike Brown said. “He helps our pace. He runs, throws it ahead and pushes the ball. We get easy baskets when we play like that.”
Grizzlies
Center Christian Koloko’s second 10-day contract expired Sunday, leaving Memphis to decide whether to convert him to a standard deal to keep him for the rest of the season. The 7-footer appeared in 11 games during his two short-term agreements, starting twice and averaging 2.6 points and 4.0 rebounds in 17.7 minutes.
Bulls
The postponed Jan. 8 contest between Chicago and Miami has been rescheduled for Jan. 29 at 8 p.m. ET, the NBA announced. The next meeting, originally set for Jan. 30 in Miami, moves to Jan. 31 at 8 p.m. ET.
January’s opener was called off after warmups revealed slick conditions at the United Center, caused by moisture seeping onto the court following a Chicago Blackhawks game and unusually warm, rainy weather.
The calendar changes create a rare stretch of three consecutive games between the Heat and Bulls, capped by their previously scheduled clash on Feb. 1 in Miami. Both teams also play on Jan. 28—Chicago visits Indiana, while Miami hosts Orlando—setting up four games in five nights for each club.
Source: Hoops Wire
