Many talks heading into the Knicks’ first round series against the Pistons were about Mikal Bridges’ defense at Cade Cunningham. But it’s his attack that will become the X-factor in this series.
The Knicks traded for the town of Bridge and Carl Antony to remove the load from Jaren Branson after scoring over 40 points in five playoff games last year.
Offensively, Bridge had a strange season with the Knicks.
He was streaked from deep and shot his lowest clip from 3-point range since his rookie season.
According to nba.com, the Bridges only shot 30.5% three seconds above the key, compared to 42.5% from the corner.
The bridge also put no significant pressure on the rims. Despite leading the NBA in minutes, the Bridges tried 118 free throws – only 1.4 attempts per game.
Nevertheless, Bridge has been one of the most efficient mid-range shooters in the NBA this season.
The analysis says it is difficult to win the game in an attempt to form a heavy section of a player’s shot diet. But Bridge believes that isn’t the case, especially when it comes to the playoffs.
“It’s hard to get to the rim. It’s hard to turn off the 3 seconds and it appears that a lot of the courts have left,” Bridges said Thursday. “It’s not just the rim and the 3. You’re paying a lot to protect the rim and stuff like that. So if they’re willing to go there while they’re waiting for you, it’s like entering their habitat… a 3rd level scorer. You can reach the rim. The playoffs too.”
It could be beneficial for the Knicks to attack the rim against the young Pistons team, who won the league’s fourth most foul this season.
Rattening players into foul trouble can be harmful to a team made up of first-timers in the playoffs.
With all his attention to Branson, Bridge should have a 3S opportunity to catch and shoot.
The Knicks will need to film more three seconds in the playoffs than the regular season, which ranked 27th in the attempt.
Bridges have shown their ability to become a massive and efficient 3-point shooter in the past.
The Knicks may need that version of the bridge more than ever before.
