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Josh Hart and his preseason debut with the New York Knicks came to an abrupt and dramatic end overseas.
The 30-year-old forward was ejected during the Knicks’ opener against the Philadelphia 76ers in Abu Dhabi after appearing to suffer a non-contact injury and angrily throwing the ball into the stands.
The moment came early in the second quarter after Hart pulled down a rebound from Sixers rookie Johni Broome. As he dribbled up the court with Philadelphia guard Kennedy Chandler in pursuit, Hart stumbled and slipped, grimacing in pain as he went down.
Chandler tied him up for a jump ball, but once the whistle blew, Hart reacted out of frustration. He flung the ball away before writhing in front of the 76ers’ bench, prompting Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse to lean over and check on him.
Josh Hart is headed to the bench (or locker room) due to an injury. pic.twitter.com/JRRtOkaFqQ
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) October 2, 2025
Hart eventually rose to his feet, favoring his lower back, and walked gingerly to the locker room. He did not return, and the play earned him both a technical foul and an ejection. His preseason line ended at two points, three rebounds and one assist in just over seven minutes.
The team and its fans now wait to see if the lower back issue that cut short his Abu Dhabi appearance will linger into the regular season.
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