You’ve seen the memes. Josh Hart passes up a wide-open look, drives into a crowd of three defenders, and somehow comes out with an offensive rebound or a kick-out assist. It's the classic Hart experience. But if you’re looking at josh hart 3 pointers per game, you’re likely trying to figure out if he’s actually a "shooter" or just a chaos agent who occasionally flings a ball toward the rim.
The truth? It’s complicated.
Right now, in the 2025-26 season, Hart is averaging roughly 1.6 makes on 4.0 attempts per game. That’s about 39.5% from deep. On paper, those are elite role-player numbers. But numbers in a vacuum are lying to you. Hart’s shooting isn't a linear progression; it’s a psychological thriller.
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The Weird Paradox of Hart’s Volume
Most NBA shooters need rhythm. They need a consistent five or six shots a night to feel the "touch." Hart is different. He’s the only player I know who can go three games without a single make and then suddenly look like Ray Allen in a playoff elimination game.
Last season (2024-25), he averaged 1.1 makes per game on about 3.3 attempts. That’s low volume. Like, really low for a guy who plays nearly 38 minutes a night.
So why does he shoot so little? Honestly, it’s because he’d rather do literally anything else. He wants to crash the boards. He wants to push the break. For Hart, a three-pointer is often a last resort—a "fine, I'll do it myself" moment when the shot clock is dying.
Breaking Down the Career Arc
If you look back at his rookie year with the Lakers, he actually shot 39.6% from three. People forget that. He came into the league as a "3-and-D" prospect. Then, for a few years in New Orleans and Portland, the "3" part of that label sort of vanished.
- Lakers (2017-18): 1.2 makes / 3.1 attempts (39.6%)
- Knicks (2023-24): 1.0 makes / 3.2 attempts (31.0%)
- Knicks (Current 2025-26): 1.6 makes / 4.0 attempts (39.5%)
Notice the jump this year? He’s shooting more. He’s making more. But he’s still the guy defenses "dare" to shoot. Opposing coaches like Joe Mazzulla or Erik Spoelstra will literally park a center in the paint and let Hart stand alone at the break. It’s a chess match.
Why the "Per Game" Stats Don't Tell the Whole Story
Basketball stats are weird because they don't account for gravity.
When Josh Hart is making josh hart 3 pointers per game at a 40% clip, the entire Knicks offense changes. It means Jalen Brunson has room to breathe. It means the lane isn't clogged with four bodies.
But when he hits a slump—like he did in the 2024 Pacers series where he shot under 30%—teams treat him like he's a non-combatant. They ignore him. They sag off so far they're practically in the front row of the stands.
The Finger Injury Context
You have to remember that Hart's shooting is often tied to his health. In the 2025 playoffs, he was playing through a significant finger injury on his shooting hand. You could see him grimacing every time he followed through. His percentage dipped to 18% in some stretches.
That’s the nuance a box score misses. He isn't a "bad" shooter; he’s an "unwilling" shooter who occasionally gets banged up because he plays like a middle linebacker.
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What This Means for Your Fantasy Team or Betting Slips
If you’re tracking his props, Hart is the ultimate "stay away" or "hammer the over" depending on the matchup.
- Look at the opponent's defensive scheme. If they play a heavy "drop" coverage (like Milwaukee or Utah), Hart is going to get wide-open looks.
- Check the minutes. Thibs is going to play him 40+ minutes if the game is close. Volume usually follows minutes, even for a reluctant shooter.
- The "Vibes" Factor. Seriously. If Hart gets an early transition layup or an offensive rebound put-back, his confidence usually spikes. That’s when he starts hunting the triple.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Season
If you're analyzing Hart's impact, stop looking at the raw percentage and start looking at the frequency of attempts in the first quarter.
When Hart takes two threes in the first six minutes, it’s a sign he’s feeling aggressive. That's the version of the Knicks that's hard to beat. If he hasn't looked at the rim by halftime, the defense is going to squeeze the life out of the Brunson/KAT pick-and-roll.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch his feet on the catch. When he hesitates and "hitches," he misses. When he catches and fires in one motion, he's lethal.
- Monitor his attempts. The magic number for the Knicks is usually 4 attempts. If Hart is shooting 4 or more times from deep, it means the spacing is working.
- Don't panic about a 0-for-5 night. Hart provides value in so many other ways—12 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals—that the three-pointer is really just the cherry on top of a very chaotic, high-energy sundae.
Basically, Hart's shooting is a luxury, not a necessity. But when that luxury is hitting at a 40% rate, he becomes one of the most dangerous role players in the NBA.