The New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges capped off a challenging road trip with another tough outing in Friday’s narrow victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Bridges finished with just eight points on 3-of-10 shooting from the field and 1-of-4 from beyond the arc, marking one of his least impactful performances of the season.
A Rough Start to Life in New York
Since his summer arrival, Bridges has not found his rhythm in New York. His performance on Friday was emblematic of his recent struggles, as he finished with a team-worst -14 plus/minus rating despite the Knicks edging out a one-point win. His difficulties on both ends of the floor resulted in head coach Tom Thibodeau benching him down the stretch in favor of Miles McBride, whose energy and defense were instrumental in securing the victory.
The Knicks invested heavily in Bridges, parting with a significant package of draft picks to acquire him during the offseason. While expectations were high, his early inconsistency has been a point of concern for the team and fans alike.
Bridges Addresses the Challenges
Following the game, Bridges spoke candidly about his struggles, emphasizing the need for improvement and patience:
“I got to play better. I’ve been inconsistent,” Bridges told reporters via the New York Post’s Stefan Bondy. “I’ve had some games where I’ve played good, some I haven’t. Just got to find a rhythm within the team. That’s pretty much it. Not even 20 games in, still just trying to figure it out.”
While Bridges remains optimistic, his performance underscores the adjustment period he is experiencing as he adapts to a new system, teammates, and heightened expectations.
The Road Ahead
The Knicks will now return to Madison Square Garden for a four-game homestand, starting with a matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. With the support of the home crowd and a renewed focus, Bridges has an opportunity to turn the corner and deliver the consistency that the Knicks envisioned when they brought him to New York.
As the season progresses, the team will hope that Bridges can settle into his role and contribute at a level befitting the investment they made in him. For now, his commitment to improvement and his accountability are positive signs for a player looking to make his mark in the Big Apple.