Mikal Bridges is the kind of player Knicks coach Mike Brown wants the rest of the team to look up to.
After the Knicks’ 113-108 victory over the Hornets in their final preseason match, Brown highlighted Bridges’ “next play speed.” This term captures his remarkable capability to jump right into defense following an offensive play, even if it doesn’t go as planned.
“He doesn’t hold back after a turnover or an offensive rebound,” Brown remarked. “He takes an extra step away from the ball. His ability to switch from offense to defense without delay is outstanding.” He added that Bridges’ few blocks demonstrated his defensive prowess. “He’s probably one of the best I’ve seen.”
Brown expressed that it’s essential to notice those subtle contributions that aren’t always reflected in stats. “He’s obviously a first-team all-defender. His impact on the court is undeniable. I hope people appreciate those little things.”
This notion of embodying “next play speed” has been a focal point during training and preseason, as Brown aims to evolve the Knicks’ offense into a quicker, more fluid style that prioritizes passing over individual plays and consistently pushes for pace.
Of course, this shift might lead to more turnovers, particularly during the adjustment phase. The key, Brown insists, is to swiftly transition to defense.
However, aside from Bridges, Brown noticed some of his players were less engaged on that front during the game. After turnovers or missed shots, heads were down, which allowed the Hornets to capitalize with easy three-pointers and foul shots.
“We’ll push that more,” Bridges stated. “He emphasizes forgetting the last play and focusing on teamwork. It’s what we need to do. Brown holds us accountable, pushing us to reach our potential.”
Although Brown looks to Bridges as a model, he also draws parallels from other sports. For instance, he referenced an NFL moment when then-Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf chased down Cardinals safety Budda Baker after an interception in a 2021 game. Baker had a clear path, but Metcalf sprinted without hesitation and prevented a touchdown.
“You really admire that sort of determination,” Bridges said. “Some players might relax in a similar situation, but he demonstrated the kind of hustle we need on defense.”
Throughout the preseason, Bridges’ unique ability to quickly transition between plays stood out. Brown’s offensive setup is designed to leverage Bridges’ strengths, helping him make the most of his skills. With Jalen Brunson playing less in isolation and more off the ball, other perimeter scorers, including Bridges, are set to see increased involvement. Rather than just being a catch-and-shoot player, he’ll have more chances to drive toward the basket, setting up opportunities for mid-range shots while keeping defenses on their toes.
In the four preseason games, Bridges averaged 23.1 minutes, scoring 12.8 points per game with a 50 percent shooting rate and 35 percent from beyond the arc. It’s anticipated that this would only improve when he’s fully utilized.
After a challenging first season with the Knicks, the organization is optimistic about Bridges’ potential, having signed him to a four-year, $150 million contract extension. Early indications are encouraging.
“It felt like home,” Bridges shared. “Being in this arena with everyone just makes it feel right. That’s a good feeling.”
