All articles tagged with #mikal bridges
The Knicks blew out the Cavaliers 130-93 to complete a conference finals sweep and reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, riding a balanced attack led by Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges, plus strong contributions from Karl-Anthony Towns and the bench as New York dominates the series and eyes its first title since 1973.
New York’s decision to keep the starting five unchanged a month ago fueled a 10‑game playoff win streak with a historic net rating, guided by Mikal Bridges’s two‑way breakout and a league‑leading offense led by Brunson and Towns. The run has elevated the Knicks from underdog to legitimate Finals contender, with potential tweaks like more Landry Shamet with the starters hinted at for the next step. While they’d likely be underdogs against the West’s top teams (Spurs/Thunder), the stretch echoes the 2011 Mavericks and suggests a real title shot if this rhythm persists.
Mikal Bridges has emerged as the Knicks’ most impactful player in the Eastern Conference finals, overcoming early jitters to help New York beat the Cavaliers 121-108 in Game 3 in Cleveland (May 23, 2026), with Jalen Brunson still the team’s best overall.
The Knicks erased an early deficit in Philadelphia, then pulled away with a dominant second quarter and a late 13-3 run to beat the 76ers 108-94 and take a commanding 3-0 series lead. Jalen Brunson finished with 33 points and nine assists, Mikal Bridges scored 23 and defended Tyrese Maxey, and New York benefited from a strong bench effort while OG Anunoby was out and Karl-Anthony Towns played limited minutes due to foul trouble. Embiid had 18 and Maxey 17 for Philly, but a switch-heavy defense and timely scoring propelled the Knicks, who have now won six straight postseason games.
Jalen Brunson scored 35 points as the Knicks routed the Sixers 137-98 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, building a 23-point halftime lead and tying a playoff franchise record with 63.1% shooting. Mikal Bridges provided lockdown defense and efficient scoring, Embiid was limited, and New York showcased a high-variance but highly efficient night that sets the stage for a challenging Series 2 for Philadelphia.
A New York Post column argues the Knicks’ 107-106 loss to the Hawks in Game 2 was caused by three players rather than Mikal Bridges, who missed a late game-winner after a largely passive offensive role. The piece notes Bridges’ missed shot sealed the defeat and frames the collapse as a broader breakdown by others, echoing a similar late-game misstep from last year’s Detroit series.
The Knicks overwhelmed the Spurs 114-89 at Madison Square Garden, riding Jalen Brunson’s late-first-quarter surge and a strong second-quarter run to pull away, while Mikal Bridges scored 25 and added five steals. New York held Wembanyama in check with Towns/Anunoby switching on him, limited San Antonio to 41.6% shooting and 26.5% from three, and sent a clear message that they can compete with the league’s best.
Portland is reportedly exploring a multi-team route to land Giannis Antetokounmpo rather than a direct sign-and-trade, as Giannis is viewed as an extreme long shot to re-sign with the Blazers. The Stein Line notes Portland could act as a facilitator in a deal that might involve Jrue Holiday and target pieces like Mikal Bridges, using assets such as Milwaukee’s 2028–2030 first-round picks. A concrete move could come in the next five days or in the offseason, with Giannis and Dame having prior Bucks connections influencing discussions.
Mikal Bridges' recent NBA extension, averaging $37.5 million per year, reflects a shifting landscape in the league where teams are more cautious with big contracts due to new CBA restrictions, emphasizing roster flexibility and strategic spending over guaranteed max deals for non-superstars, potentially influencing future negotiations and team compositions.
Mikal Bridges has chosen to stay with the Knicks, demonstrating his commitment and willingness to prioritize team flexibility over a higher salary, marking a significant personal and team decision.
Mikal Bridges has agreed to a four-year, $150 million extension with the New York Knicks, prioritizing team stability and success over maximum salary, after a strong first season with the team that included key defensive contributions and mixed offensive performance. The deal reflects the Knicks' focus on building a competitive core for future playoff runs, especially following their recent Eastern Conference finals appearance.
Mikal Bridges has agreed to a four-year, $150 million extension with the New York Knicks, including a player option for 2029-30 and a trade kicker, helping the team maintain roster flexibility after a standout season where he played all 82 games and contributed significantly to their Eastern Conference Finals appearance.
The New York Knicks have extended Mikal Bridges' contract for four years and $150 million, including a player option, locking him in until at least 2029 and maintaining their core for future title contention. The deal is slightly below the max, providing flexibility under CBA restrictions, and reflects Bridges' improved playoff performance and durability.
During the NBA off-season, the article ranks the top 56 players in the league, including the New York Knicks, amidst ongoing team matters like Mikal Bridges' extension and coaching staff updates.
Mikal Bridges responded to recent criticism with a standout performance, scoring a season-high 31 points in the New York Knicks' 118-85 victory over the injury-depleted New Orleans Pelicans. Bridges' aggressive play and seven 3-pointers helped the Knicks maintain a double-digit lead throughout the game. The Knicks, who have won six of their last eight games, capitalized on the absence of key Pelicans players like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Bridges' resurgence was supported by teammates Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.