PHOENIX — Mikal Bridges carries the weight of past NBA Finals disappointment, a stark contrast to his current commanding presence with the New York Knicks. In the 2021 NBA Finals, Bridges was a pivotal force for the Phoenix Suns, powering them to a Game 2 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks that gave them a 2-0 series lead. He posted 27 points and seven rebounds in that crucial win.
However, the narrative took a sharp turn as the Suns subsequently lost four consecutive games. Bridges, unable to replicate his earlier aggression, saw his scoring output dwindle to single digits in three of those four losses. This stark regression serves as a potent lesson, one he is determined not to repeat.
The intensity and focus Bridges displayed in his postgame interview following the Knicks’ 105-104 Game 2 victory over the San Antonio Spurs last night underscored this resolve. He recorded 20 points, six rebounds, and six assists, a performance that hinted at a player deeply locked into the present moment.
“0-0 man, f—— keep playing, sorry … Desperate. That’s it, man,” Bridges articulated to ESPN’s Inside the NBA postgame. “Take this rest. We got two days, take a break, do whatever you gotta do to get ready for this next game, but keep going out there and don’t stop. We got nothing but the offseason, man. Keep pushing. Leave everything on that court.” This raw declaration speaks volumes about his mindset.
While the Knicks find themselves in a different context than Bridges experienced with the Suns—heading home for Games 3 and 4 with a historic 13-game winning streak—the memory of 2021 remains a powerful motivator. Bridges’ previous Finals appearance is etched in his mind, a constant reminder of the effort and focus required to achieve the ultimate prize, particularly as he aims to help the Knicks secure their first championship since 1973.
“I think just being here before, knowing how it’s going to be. Just a lot of experience, knowing how much effort you need to give every single moment,” Bridges reflected. “Same situation up 2-0, and I got to be able to talk to these guys and just keep level-headed and keep playing desperate.” This veteran perspective is invaluable to a Knicks team on the cusp of history.
Bridges’ demonstrated experience throughout the current postseason is a testament to the lessons learned during his tenure with the Suns and his initial playoff run with the Knicks last season. His journey now offers him the chance to validate the significant investment the New York franchise made in acquiring him, trading five first-round picks. The ultimate test will be whether he can help guide the Knicks to a different, more triumphant outcome than the one he experienced with Phoenix.
