Josh Hart jokingly attributes the Knicks' recent defensive success to Jalen Brunson's absence after their win over the Kings.

Knicks guard Josh Hart was asked after the win on Monday about the defensive surge lately. "JB's not out there," Hart said, at first with a straight face, but then breaking into a smile. Indeed, offensive star Jalen Brunson--Hart's college teammate from Villanova and a close friend--has not been out there for the Knicks.

We have reached the strangest possible stage of the Knicks season. They entered Tuesday’s game against the Warriors at the Garden with a 40-20 record, which translates to roughly 55-27 over a full season, which would be the most wins in a season since 1997, which … (“That’s nice. They’re also 0-7 against the Thunder, Cavaliers and Celtics .”)

A collective groan could be heard around New York when it was announced that Jalen Brunson would be out at least two weeks with an ankle sprain. However, if one were to ask Josh Hart, life has not been so bad.

Josh Hart got chuckles in the locker room Monday night because the best jokes are tinged with truth. And this was his response to the question of why the defense has improved lately:

The New York Knicks player could emerge as an X-Factor as Tom Thibodeau's roster navigates life with Jalen Brunson on the sidelines.

Is guard Jalen Brunson taking the court today against the Portland Trail Blazers? The New York Knicks offered details on his injury status.

The Knicks are without their superstar floor general Jalen Brunson for at least two weeks after he suffered an ankle injury during Thursday’s loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. It is a sizable loss to contend with at this point in the season.

The Knicks didn’t just win their first game since Jalen Brunson’s sprained ankle. See Also new york knicks Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns responds to Draymond Green’s ducking claim They dominated the Kings.