SALT LAKE CITY — Mikal Bridges understood why he didn't return to Saturday's game.
The imported Knicks starter endured his toughest shooting game of the season, not playing until the final 10:03 of the 121-106 loss to the Jazz.
Bridges played 33 minutes and scored a season-low seven points on 3-of-15 shooting (including 6-of-7 missed 3-point attempts). He supported veteran guard Cam Payne until the end.
“Certainly, our biggest thing, obviously I was struggling, but our biggest thing is to win,” Bridges said after the game. “Cam came in and he played well. He was part of that team that was on a roll.
“I was just frustrated that I wasn't out there to help the team, and I was frustrated that I wasn't able to do much in the first three quarters. But yeah, I understand. I think it was the right decision because I'm aiming to win and that's all I care about.”
Tom Thibodeau stuck with Payne, who had 11 points and five assists in 31 minutes off the bench, for the energy he needed, especially during a 17-0 run that brought the Knicks within two points late in the third quarter. He said it was because it brought him so much.
“I was just looking for something that could move us forward,” Thibodeau said. “And it wasn't just Michal. Cam came in and I thought he gave us a big flash. We were almost back to Jericho. [Sims] Because in the end, I thought his minutes were good for us as well. When you're feeling down like most of us, you're just looking for something to cheer you up. That's actually what we were doing. ”
Bridges, acquired from the Nets over the summer, entered Saturday's game leading the NBA with 38.6 minutes per game.
His previous lowest score was eight points against the Pacers on November 10th.
