Mikal Bridges’ Guidance for Knicks Teammates in the Finals

Mikal Bridges is no stranger to the Finals. He’s experienced that intense atmosphere before, complete with all the accompanying praise, criticism, media commitments, and attention.

Bridges stands out as one of the only two Knicks players to have been in the Finals, alongside Jordan Clarkson (though OG Anunoby was part of the Raptors’ squad, he didn’t play in the 2019 Finals).

His advice for teammates centers on how to handle all that extra recognition and media buzz.

“Just focus on what you need to do to improve,” Bridges mentioned after practice on Thursday. “Don’t get too wrapped up in media chatter. There’s going to be a lot of talk about our potential and past successes. It’s really about staying true to ourselves and keeping our focus. Let’s aim for a win.”

The Knicks are basking in a wave of excitement, making their first Finals appearance since 1999. This buzz is coming from everywhere—fans, celebrities, other local athletes, and both local and national media.

During their impressive 11-game winning streak, they set numerous records, most notably outscoring their opponents by 262 points—the highest point differential in NBA history, whether in the regular season or the playoffs.

New York City seems electrified, with Knicks players almost idolized by the public. It’s a lot, but the team is striving to remain unaffected by the noise.

Head Coach Mike Brown, who has been in seven Finals in various coaching roles, recognizes how detrimental distractions can be if not managed well.

“There are many distractions we need to navigate,” Brown commented on Thursday. “I’ve been in talks with Alan Houston, and he expressed it perfectly. It’s crucial to stay focused because you’ll find yourself pulled in every direction. We’re all human; the allure of family, friends, ticket requests, and media appearances can be a lot to handle.”

He added, “You might not notice it, but managing all these external demands while keeping your eye on the prize can be draining. Maintaining your edge, as Alan Houston would say, is vital during this hectic time.”

But tuning all of this out? That’s easier said than done. It’s tough not to get swept up in the moment.

“It’s different for everyone,” observed Jalen Brunson. “I try to stay off social media. I might post something and then just take it down. It’s about blocking out the distractions. Each person has their own methods for compartmentalizing things.”

Brunson continued, “Ignoring the negativity is important. It’s easy to get caught up in positive comments—they can feel good, right? But you have to disregard both. Just focus on blocking out as much noise as you can.”

The Knicks are the buzz of New York City now, and they’re poised to capture attention nationwide. However, they are doing their best to keep their inner focus sharp.