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New York Knicks stars rave about Mikal Bridges’ “much-needed” breakout game

Mikal Bridges appears to be getting back into form after a breakout game.

The New York Knicks may not have had the start to the season they expected, and that’s completely okay. They acquired Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns via trades this offseason. Adding two star starters via trades will certainly impact team chemistry and early returns to the season.

However, with a record of 12-8, things look like things are getting better in the Big Apple. The club has a strong offense led by Jalen Brunson and Towns.

The team’s defense showed concerns at times, but they have two strong fullbacks in Bridges and OG Anunoby. Mitchel Robinson’s return to the hardwood will also help in this regard.

On Sunday, however, Bridges had a “much-needed” breakout game.

Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2024 in New York City. NOTE T...
Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images

Bridges had his first big game for the Knicks

New York wiped out an undermanned New Orleans Pelicans team on Sunday. It was never really close. They finished the game with a 43-point lead and won 118-85. It was complete dominance in favor of the Knicks, who have a roster that could be a title contender this season.

Bridges also had a breakout game in the contest. He finished the game with 31 points while shooting 12 of 19 from the field and 7 of 12 on 3-pointers. In his 36 minutes played, he posted a box score of over 40.

The most important factor, however, may be his 3-point shooting. With Brunson and Towns able to lead the offense with their fame on that side of the ball, Bridges will have to be polite in that regard. Of course, he has a mid-range shot that allows him to create his own look. However, it is important for him that the floor has enough space.

In November, Bridges shot just 29% on 3-pointers, which is below average and much worse than his typical efficiency from long range. As mentioned, bringing new talent together like the Knicks did and building chemistry, as Bridges alluded to after the game, isn’t easy and takes time.

“Just because I liked the shots I took. And then a new team. (That’s) pretty much everything,” he said Sunday. “I’ve never played a big with an offensive talent like KAT. I’ve never had much to do with a banger. We just had to get used to it and it’s just going to take time.”

Knicks stars react to Bridges’ goal breakout

Brunson, the team’s leading scorer and passer, was pleased with Bridges’ performance and said it was much needed.

“It was urgently needed. And most importantly, it resulted in a win,” Brunson said of Bridges. “The way he played was confident and it was fluid. I love watching it.”

For Brunson, who leads the team’s offense as a point guard, it must be a great feeling to see one of his perimeter shooters knock down shots and find his footing on the season. He has a level of confidence in his shots and because he’s making the ball easier, Bridges knows he’s shooting the ball with confidence.

Brunson’s counterpart and another Knicks star, Towns, also praised the performance put together by the Villanova product and former Brooklyn Net.

“Special. He was special tonight,” Towns said. “He played with a lot of confidence. Shoot the ball well. Had fun with the celebrations and stuff. It was a great night watching him make shots like that .”

Bridges was an absolute hit. Recently it was Anunoby. Towns had his moments. The entire team is well positioned and everyone can play in every game, which is what makes New York’s squad so special. When things come together consistently, they will be a force to be reckoned with.

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