Knicks performing better than expected, but daunting stretch doesn’t get easier

Ten brutal games down, four to go.

So far, the Knicks have survived this gauntlet, performing better than most observers expected, particularly once Mitchell Robinson was lost to what is believed to be a season-ending ankle injury.

Starting on Dec. 5, the Knicks began a daunting 14-game stretch that included 10 road games and nine contests against teams with winning records.

After their Christmas Day win over the powerhouse Bucks, they are 5-5.

Remaining is a three-game road trip starting Wednesday that features games against the Thunder, Magic and Pacers before meeting the Timberwolves back at the Garden.

That’s four difficult games in six days.

In addition to beating the Bucks, the Knicks (17-12) have also notched wins over the Suns, Lakers and Nets on the road.

The challenging nature of the schedule has brought out the best in them.

Somewhat lost in the victory over the Bucks was the two-way contributions of Josh Hart.

On a day when four Knicks scored at least 20 points.

Hart was still one of their most important players.

In one of his best all-around games of the season, the reserve wing had 10 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Most importantly, he shined late in the third quarter after the Bucks had gotten within four, scoring eight points over the final 2:59 as the Knicks pushed the lead back to 11.

“We’re trying to just focus on getting stops, running,” he said. “I feel it’s something that I do well, getting in transition and just kind of play-making from there. You know, if I have the lane, I have the lane. If not, I’ll try to get guys open shots and rhythm 3’s. I feel like we were able to get stops and get out and run.”