Knicks Star Josh Hart Reveals Worship Anthem ‘For Christ Alone’ Was His Hype Song

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You may not find Josh Hart’s pump-up song on mainstream radio, but the New York Knicks star said it provided all the motivation he needed as he prepared for the biggest game of his career.

The starting forward scored 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds Sunday during New York’s 94-90 title-clinching victory over San Antonio – and then afterward said a Christian song helped him get into the right mindset.

The victory gave the Knicks their first NBA championship since 1973.

Asked this week in a television interview what song got him “pumped” before Game 5, Hart didn’t hesitate.

“For Christ Alone by 2819 Church,” Hart said, sitting alongside his teammates.

The song was released in April by 2819 Worship, a collective from 2819 Church in Atlanta that recently signed with Reach Records. It is a 13-minute worship song rooted in Matthew 24:30 and inspired by a sermon that founder and lead pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell preached on for several months.

The 31-year-old Hart, who joined the Knicks during the 2022-23 season, has been increasingly open about his faith in recent years.

In mid-May, with the Knicks in the middle of their historic playoff run, Hart posted a photo of himself on the bench with the caption: “For me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” The Instagram slideshow also included photos of his twin sons and wife, Shannon.

On Christmas Day, Hart reminded his fans of the reason for the season, writing on Instagram: “‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace’ Isaiah 9:6 NIV.”

Last fall, Hart celebrated reports of growing interest in Christianity in the United States, sharing a news story about the trend on X/Twitter alongside a series of clapping emojis.

The first line of his Instagram bio reads, “Follower of Christ.”

Meanwhile, Hart embraced Christian singer Forrest Frank after Game 4 while Frank watched from courtside. When the Knicks captured the title days later, Frank praised Hart's public faith, writing on Instagram: “It’s bigger than basketball – proud of you for giving all glory to God, my brother.”

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images / Gregory Shamus / Staff

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

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