After averaging just 14.4 points per game during the regular season, Mikal Bridges came under intense scrutiny given the heavy price the Knicks paid to acquire and retain him. New York sent five first-round picks to Brooklyn for Bridges and later signed him to a four-year, $150 million extension, setting lofty expectations.
According to Jake Nisse of The New York Post, Bridges has silenced critics with a strong playoff run, emerging as one of the Knicks’ most important players in their second-round matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. In the first two games of the series, he has totaled 35 points on an efficient 16-for-23 shooting from the field.
Beyond scoring, Bridges has taken on the primary defensive assignment against Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey, who has struggled under New York’s pressure. Maxey has shot just 12-for-32 from the floor and committed 10 turnovers in the series.
Bridges’ all-around contributions could become even more critical if OG Anunoby is forced to miss time after apparently injuring his hamstring in Game 2.
