Knicks Players Focus on Playoffs, Mikal Bridges Under Spotlight

All the Knicks players seem to have a common understanding: the regular season isn’t where they’ll set their legacy; it’s all about what unfolds next. This sentiment holds especially true for Mikal Bridges.

Last season was mostly uneventful for him in terms of regular gameplay, but he did shine during the Knicks’ playoff journey. In critical moments, he made some key plays, like during Game 1 of the second round against the Celtics, where Jaylen Brown’s last-second steal helped seal the victory. Similarly, Jayson Tatum followed up with another crucial steal in Game 2.

Bridges’ performance was significant during Game 6 in the first round against the Pistons, where he scored 25 points and even made a crucial tip-in to tie the game with just over 35 seconds remaining.

“The playoffs are fun and full of excitement, with a lot of aggression and strategy involved,” Bridges mentioned earlier this month. “Being out there with the crowd just elevates everything. Playoff games bring out this amazing excitement, and you do whatever it takes to secure a win.”

When asked if he thinks he can elevate his game in the postseason, Bridges expressed his eagerness: “I would love to. I think every player aspires to that. I’m focused on doing my best to help the team win.”

Despite showing promise, Bridges has faced a fair share of criticism, more so than others on the Knicks roster. His performance, especially on the offensive side, hasn’t quite matched the hefty expectations set by the five first-round picks the Knicks traded for him. Yet, he’s been candid about prioritizing team goals over personal stats.

Josh Hart spoke up for Bridges, suggesting that he could score more if he took more shots, but as it stands, that’s not the expectation. Coach Mike Brown has a clear offensive hierarchy: Jalen Brunson leads, followed by Karl-Anthony Towns, and then a collective cast, with Bridges typically being the fourth option.

Looking at his role compared to other players in similar positions around the league, his contributions seem to hold up well. “It’s about sacrificing for your teammates,” Bridges shared after practice. “I put everything on the line to help make plays for them.”

Regardless of being seen as a fourth option, Bridges has demonstrated an ability to make impactful plays, and interestingly, he has more playoff experience than many veterans on the team. “That’s what I’m built for,” he stated. “It’s part of my DNA.”