Mikal Bridges, on the early morning of March 13th, hit a game-winner, giving the Knicks a win against the Portland Trail Blazers. What makes that win so special is that before the
game, during shoot-around, Mikal Bridges pretty much threw his coach, Tom Thibodeau, under the bus. He essentially echoed what most critics of Thibs have been saying for years: he's burning the starters out. Now, we don't know when or if this conversation was had because Thibs avidly denied it. But it's worth mentioning that after the All-Star break, Mikal Bridges is 22nd in the NBA in MPG with 35.6. So that tells me this conversation was had.
Mikal Bridges really hasn't looked comfortable being a Knick. Now, he has had some great moments this season, including a 41-point game on Christmas Day and a superb month of December. But if you were to ask your average Knicks fan, they would tell you they've been quite disappointed in him. I think it's been a little bit unfair. People are just comparing it to when Donte came here; it seemingly clicked right away. So they would assume the same would happen for the other Nova boy, Mikal.
But I liked that Bridges stood his ground, went up to the coach and said, listen. You're burning us out. Play more players. Since January, Thibs has played Landry Shamet more, and before he got injured, Ariel Hukporti was just starting to come around. Either way, it is year one of this experiment, and there are already what seem like different opinions in the locker room. When you have your Iron Man, Mikal Bridges, who has never missed an NBA game, preaching to rest him more, that should ring the bells.
What was truly overlooked in the NY Post article is Mikal Bridges essentially suggesting that he isn't being utilized effectively. He mentioned that it will take time. In the last three games, we've witnessed a different version of Mikal, the one we've been eagerly anticipating consistently. Now, Jalen Brunson's absence plays a significant role in this change.
Amidst all of that, Mikal Bridges probably hit the biggest shot this season. (There have been many.) The magnitude of the shot was felt through the TV screen at almost 1 AM Eastern time. It was sort of the basketball universe, in the end, siding with Mikal Bridges over Tom Thibodeau. And that should be a sign itself. Hopefully, that shot propels Mikal Bridges into finishing off this season strong.
Knicks News by Anthony, from Knicks Nation.
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