Image Source: SNY
[Saba Sports News] The New York Knicks, with notable performances from Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson, secured a commanding 98-74 victory over the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on Friday. This game marked the Knicks’ strongest defensive effort since 2012, and the 74 points allowed were the fewest by any NBA team this season. The win also halted the Magic’s five-game winning streak and propelled the Knicks to the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Josh Hart revealed an unusual but humorous incentive for the Knicks’ win: to avoid becoming the subject of the Orlando Magic’s social media team’s viral TikTok content.
Hart humorously expressed his desire to dodge the Magic’s catchy TikTok song and accompanying dance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus on their style of play and the significance of the matchup.
“It was so important because I didn’t want to see Orlando Magic put us on TikTok with their song with some cows dancing, which is a banger,” Hart said with a laugh. “No, but obviously we knew it was gonna be a big game. . . We had to come out with confidence and energy. Remembering to play our brand of basketball.”
Despite the lighthearted comments, the underlying motivation was clear: to avoid the extra sting of a social media taunt from the Magic. Hart’s playful acknowledgment of the song’s catchiness underscored the blend of competitive spirit and modern NBA culture where off-court narratives can intertwine with on-court performance.
Ultimately, the Knicks ensured they wouldn’t be the butt of the joke, much to Hart’s relief.