The New York Knicks and head coach Tom Thibodeau are facing a tough playoff matchup against the reigning champions, the Boston Celtics. To come out on top, the Knicks will need every player to perform at their highest level.
Mikal Bridges will be a crucial part of New York’s game plan in the series.
Bridges will take on the challenging task of guarding elite scorers Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. On top of his defensive responsibilities, he’ll also be expected to contribute offensively.
Ahead of the matchup, Thibodeau praised Bridges and shared his thoughts on the wing player.
“He’s got a great demeanor,” Thibodeau said. “Anyone going through a trade or free agency needs time to adjust. He’s confident in what he brings to the team.”
Bridges joined the Knicks in a high-profile offseason trade from the Brooklyn Nets. While he’s shown flashes of strong play, he has struggled with consistency during his debut season in New York.
During the Knicks’ full 82-game season, Bridges put up solid numbers, averaging 17.6 points, 3.7 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game, while shooting 50% from the field and 35.4% from beyond the arc.
In the first-round playoff matchup against the Detroit Pistons, he maintained strong performance with 16.2 points per game, along with five rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.2 blocks.
If the 28-year-old wing can continue to score around 17 points per game and provide top-tier perimeter defense, he’ll significantly boost New York’s chances of upsetting the Celtics.