dailyloe.com – New York Knicks players state they will be judged on the playoffs, not the regular season. This sentiment applies strongly to forward Mikal Bridges. His regular season last year was largely forgotten after key playoff plays. He made crucial steals and a game-tying tip-in during last year’s postseason run.
Bridges discussed the playoff atmosphere with The Post earlier this month. He called playoffs fun and described them as amped up with aggression. The crowd and everything goes up another level, he said. Bridges stated he is just trying to do whatever it takes to win.
When asked if he raises his game, Bridges said he would want to. He feels like every player would want to elevate their play. His goal is to be the best he can be to help the team win. Bridges receives more criticism than anyone on the Knicks.
This is due to the five first-round picks traded to acquire him. His regular-season offensive output has not matched that trade haul. Bridges has been vocal about sacrificing offensively for the team’s benefit. Teammate Josh Hart voiced support for this sacrifice to The Post.
Hart claimed Bridges could score more with more shots. He noted that is not what Bridges has been asked to do. Coach Mike Brown has established a clear offensive hierarchy. Jalen Brunson is first, Karl-Anthony Towns is second, and others follow.
Usually, OG Anunoby is the third option on offense. That makes Bridges the team’s fourth offensive option. Comparing him to other fourth options league-wide changes the perspective. His output looks much stronger in that context versus his trade compensation.
Bridges spoke about sacrifice after practice on Friday. He talked about putting your body on the line for your brothers. The goal is doing whatever it takes to make a play. It is about helping your teammates out, Bridges said.
Fourth option or not, Bridges has shown a clear ability to impact games. His playoff performances last season demonstrated his clutch potential. He aims to replicate that success in the upcoming postseason. The Knicks will rely on his defensive plays and timely scoring.[]
Source: New York Post
