The New York Knicks managed to scrape out a narrow win against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, but questions linger over Mikal Bridges’ continued struggles in his new role. Bridges, acquired in the offseason in a blockbuster trade that cost the Knicks five first-round picks, had another underwhelming performance, scoring just eight points on 3-for-10 shooting from the field and 1-for-4 from beyond the arc.
Bridges’ night was compounded by a troubling -14 plus-minus rating, the lowest among Knicks players, despite the team narrowly escaping with a win. His performance highlights a difficult adjustment period as he integrates into the team’s system and takes on elevated expectations.
Rough Road Trip for Bridges
The Hornets game capped a challenging five-game road trip for Bridges, where he averaged only 13 points per game while shooting 36.5% from the field and an ice-cold 29.4% from three-point range. These numbers fall well below the expectations for a player touted as a cornerstone of the Knicks’ future. While growing pains were anticipated after his trade, the fact that the season is now 19 games in has heightened the pressure for him to deliver more consistently.
Knicks’ Investment in Bridges
The Knicks’ decision to part with significant draft capital to acquire Bridges underscores their belief in his potential to elevate the franchise. His two-way ability and reputation as a hard-nosed defender with offensive upside made him an appealing addition. However, as the team returns to Madison Square Garden for a four-game homestand, the need for Bridges to find his rhythm and confidence on offense becomes critical.
Victory Raises Concerns, Not Confidence
Friday’s win against the Hornets, a game that many expected the Knicks to dominate, exposed broader concerns for the team. Turnovers, inconsistent shooting, and lapses in defensive intensity allowed the Hornets to remain competitive despite being overmatched on paper.
While the Knicks will gladly take the victory, it serves as a reminder that they have plenty of work to do if they hope to establish themselves as legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Upcoming Homestand Brings Opportunity
The Knicks now head back to New York for a crucial four-game homestand, beginning with a matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday. For Bridges, it represents an opportunity to reset and rediscover his game in front of the home crowd.
The team’s success this season hinges not only on its stars like Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle but also on Bridges’ ability to adapt and thrive in his new role. As the season progresses, the Knicks will need their big offseason acquisition to perform at the level expected of a player with his pedigree and potential.
The next few weeks could be pivotal for Bridges and the Knicks, as they seek to build momentum and establish themselves as a force in the East.