Among the many talking points surrounding the New York Knicks in the 2026 NBA Finals — from pressure to close out the series to early title celebrations — one playful debate has emerged: would the Knicks trade Mikal Bridges right now for five first-round picks?
Key Takeaways from Hart's Game 1
- Mikal Bridges scored 20 points with 6 rebounds and 6 assists in Game 2 Finals win
- Knicks forward played game-high 40:53, stepping up amid Brunson and Towns struggles
- Key third-quarter run helped New York regain control and extend lead over Spurs
- Bridges became first Knicks player since Walt Frazier to hit 20/5/5 in NBA Finals game
Bridges Delivers Clutch Finals Masterclass as Knicks Go 2-0 Up on Spurs
It’s a tongue-in-cheek question rooted in the backlash from July 2024, when New York paid a massive price — five first-round picks — to land Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. At the time, it was viewed as an overpay even by modern NBA standards, especially for a player who had never been an All-Star and was not expected to be a primary scoring option.
That narrative shifted sharply in Game 2 of the Finals at the Frost Bank Center, where Bridges delivered one of the most complete performances of his Knicks tenure.
He finished with 20 points, including nine in a pivotal third quarter when New York seized control, adding six rebounds and six assists while shooting 8-of-13 from the field and 4-of-6 from three-point range. He played a game-high 40:53, stepping up as Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns battled inconsistency and foul trouble.
Bridges also helped carry the offensive load during key stretches, including a reserve-heavy lineup run, keeping the Knicks steady as momentum swung back and forth.
Coach Mike Brown Praises Two-Way Impact
Knicks coach Mike Brown highlighted Bridges’ influence at both ends of the floor, particularly his ability to step up when the team needed stability. Brown also noted Bridges’ defensive assignment work, including spells guarding De’Aaron Fox, as New York adjusted tactically in the second half.
“Mikal during a stretch of the ballgame was huge for us on both ends of the floor,” Brown said. “What he did for us offensively when we were struggling, and then when we took Jalen out was huge. He made big play after big play after big play.”
Third-Quarter Control Defines Knicks’ Momentum Swing
With Brunson struggling after halftime and Towns already limited by foul trouble, the Knicks found themselves in a vulnerable position as their lead shrank to 76-72 late in the third quarter.
Bridges responded by anchoring a critical stretch alongside the second unit, contributing scoring, playmaking, and a key defensive rebound while helping push the lead back to 84-75 by the end of the period. The run proved decisive in allowing New York to maintain control and eventually take a 2-0 series lead as the Finals shift to Madison Square Garden.
Knicks Teammates and History Highlight His Value
Teammate Josh Hart also praised Bridges’ all-around impact, calling him a “winning basketball player” who consistently delivers in big moments.
Bridges’ performance made history as well, becoming the first Knicks player since Walt Frazier to record at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists in an NBA Finals game. It was another reminder of why New York made the aggressive move to acquire him — a decision still debated two years later, but increasingly validated on the league’s biggest stage.
