The New York Knicks may be waiting to find out their next playoff opponent, but Josh Hart has already found a way to keep the vibes high inside the locker room.
The Knicks guard showed up to practice Wednesday with a surprise guest that instantly stole attention from everyone in the building a Bernedoodle puppy named Bucky.
Photos and videos of Hart carrying the dog around quickly exploded online as Knicks fans flooded social media with reactions.
Josh Hart Brings Bernedoodle To Knicks Practice
Following New York’s sweep over the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Knicks have had several days off while waiting to see whether they will face the Cavaliers or Detroit Pistons next.
The veteran guard brought Bucky, a friend’s Bernedoodle puppy, directly into practice and even carried the dog with him into the media interview room afterward.
“We’re a dog-friendly establishment,” Hart joked. “It’s good vibes around here. Whatever makes good vibes, we’re good.”
Knicks Fans Flood Social Media With Reactions
Photos of the puppy sitting calmly beside Hart during interviews quickly spread across social media, with many Knicks fans joking that the dog deserved a playoff roster spot.
Others joked that Hart may have officially replaced Jalen Brunson as New York’s locker room favorite.
One fan wrote:“Bucky already has better chemistry with the Knicks than half the league.”Another posted:
“This team is loose, confident, and having fun. That’s dangerous.
Knicks Staying Relaxed During Deep Playoff Run
Despite reaching the Eastern Conference Finals conversation for the first time in years, the Knicks appear extremely calm and confident internally.
Hart explained that the team is staying focused on itself while waiting to learn its next opponent.“Every day, we’re focused on ourselves,” Hart said. “Obviously, we don’t know who we’re going to play.”
Instead, New York has continued building momentum while becoming one of the toughest teams left in the postseason.
Fans Believe Knicks Chemistry Is Different This Year
Many fans pointed to moments like this as proof that New York’s chemistry feels different compared to previous seasons.
Between Brunson’s leadership, Hart’s energy, and the overall confidence surrounding the roster, Knicks fans are beginning to believe this team could make a legitimate Finals run.
While the Cavaliers and Pistons continue battling in a brutal series, the Knicks are staying rested, relaxed, and apparently very dog-friendly.