Josh Hart Calls NBA Finals Run With Former Villanova Teammates ‘Surreal'

The New York Knicks are heading to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 after Monday night’s Eastern Conference Finals sweep over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Knicks absolutely dominated Game 4, deploying a balanced scoring attack in the 130-93 victory. This NBA Finals-securing win marked New York’s 11th consecutive victory en route to the championship series.

New York’s electric playoff run has been fueled by a core of former Villanova players: Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges. All three of these players won an NCAA Tournament national championship with the Wildcats in 2016, and Brunson and Bridges went on to win another title together in 2018.

More Basketball:Knicks Legend Walt Frazier Reveals His Preferred NBA Finals Opponent

After Monday night’s Game 4, Hart was asked about going to the NBA Finals with his former college teammates.

“It’s something that is surreal,” Hart replied. “When you’re in college and you’re in that locker room, you know the goal is the NBA. And you know the percent chance that you’re going to be on the same team is very slim if not none. It’s always something you talk about and dream about, but in reality it’s almost impossible.

“So the fact that that actually came to fruition, it’s super cool. I know the time that these guys put in, I know where there hearts are. We already share a bond and a brotherhood for life. This is just another step there.”

More Basketball:Donovan Mitchell Responds to Questions About Cavaliers Future

The Knicks will matchup against the winner of the Western Conference Finals series between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 12:02 PM.