After struggling offensively for a lot of the Knicks’ first-round collection in opposition to Atlanta, Mikal Bridges has immediately discovered his rhythm on the good time for New York.
Bridges scored 11 factors or fewer in every of the primary 5 video games in opposition to the Hawks earlier than breaking out with 24 factors throughout the Knicks’ large 51-point victory in Recreation 6.
His sturdy end carried instantly into the second spherical in opposition to Philadelphia.
In Recreation 1 in opposition to the Sixers, Bridges delivered one other extremely environment friendly efficiency, ending with 17 factors on 7-for-10 taking pictures whereas including 5 assists and posting a plus-19 ranking in solely 27 minutes.
Past the scoring, Bridges additionally performed a serious position defensively by serving to include Philadelphia guard Tyrese Maxey all through the sport.
Jalen Brunson emphasised how helpful Bridges has develop into to the Knicks’ playoff success.
“It’s essential. He’s an enormous issue for us,” Brunson advised Zach Braziller of the New York Submit. “He’s been taking part in nice.”
Whereas Bridges has elevated his play, OG Anunoby has additionally been on a dominant stretch offensively.
In line with Braziller, Anunoby has shot an unimaginable 23-for-30 from the sphere and 8-for-11 from three-point vary during the last three video games.
Brunson credited Anunoby’s aggressiveness and decision-making as key causes behind the current offensive explosion.
“I believe [it’s] the best way he’s been in a position to create house, the best way he’s been attacking,” Brunson stated. “These issues have been a key issue for him.
“Clearly, he’s flattening shot after shot. He’s simply taking part in actual aggressive, actually downhill. … He’s creating havoc, and he’s making good choices.”
Regardless of the convincing Recreation 1 victory, Brunson doesn’t anticipate Philadelphia to look the identical shifting ahead within the collection.
The Knicks star anticipates a much more aggressive and ready response from the Sixers in Recreation 2.
“I don’t suppose we’re going to see that staff, from Recreation 1 to Recreation 2,” Brunson stated, per Vincent Goodwill of ESPN. “They’ll be able to go.”
Knicks Notes: Offensive Explosion, Bridges, Anunoby, Recreation 2, Jones https://t.co/z8562dSQ2c
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 5, 2026
