SAN ANTONIO — In the last two seasons, no player on the Knicks has drawn more attention and debate than Mikal Bridges.
Bridges found himself under scrutiny, not only for his fluctuating performances but because his presence came at the cost of five first-round draft picks. These picks, many speculated, might have been the key to acquiring a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo.
However, in the early hours of Sunday, Bridges celebrated as an NBA champion, donning a hat and shirt commemorating the victory. He sipped champagne, tears of joy in his eyes, as he played a crucial role in ending the Knicks’ 53-year championship drought, solidifying the trade as one of New York’s most significant in history.
“You’re talking about those picks?” Bridges retorted when questioned about the criticism he faced. “Forget them … I’m still here.”
Leon Rose’s decision to trade for Bridges meant forgoing other potential talents that those picks might have brought in. Yet, it seems unlikely they could have found a player better suited to this team’s needs.
The chemistry was precise, reuniting Bridges — a two-time national champion at Villanova — with college teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, while bringing in a two-way talent who would sacrifice shots to contribute to a contender.
Less than eight weeks ago, Bridges was set to be a scapegoat, following a scoreless effort against the Hawks in which he was benched and the Knicks moved two losses from a first-round exit. But Bridges won the fanbase back, becoming unrecognizably aggressive on both ends of the floor while shooting the lights out and shutting down a series of All-Star guards during their 13-game winning streak.
“The times I’ve been struggling, the fans were on me — the thing is about me, I want to always be better,” Bridges said. “So whatever, how they feel, I always want to be better. They keep pushing me and if they strongly believe that we have a chance every year and if they strongly believe I have a chance to be better, I’m already thinking about that.
“I appreciate the tough love. I know some fans might be a little bit crazier than others, but the ones that truly care, and want me to be better, don’t stop now. Just keep pushing me.
“I know sometimes I’ll struggle, this and that, but just know I’m going to keep working. If they keep egging me on and talking a little s–t, I’m pretty tough, I’ll be all right.”
In Game 2 of the NBA Finals, Bridges carried the offense when Brunson struggled, recording 20 points, six rebounds and six assists in the road win. In the championship clincher, Bridges was the second-leading scorer (14 points on 5-for-10 shooting), adding four assists and a late-game block.
The verdict is in.
“F–k them picks,” teammate Ariel Hukporti said. “F–k ’em. Look what we got … We got him out of Brooklyn. Look at him now, you’re a champion.
“Look at him now.”