New York Knicks guard Josh Hart commended Mikal Bridges after Bridges delivered an impressive 30-point performance in the Knicks’ 119-92 victory over the Toronto Raptors on the road. This praise comes after Bridges openly reflected on his challenging recent form in a candid postgame interview.
Struggles and Recovery on the Court
Earlier in the season, Bridges faced a difficult period, shooting just 41.9 percent overall and 32.0 percent from the three-point line during a 12-game stretch, averaging 13.8 points per game. His struggles were most evident on January 24 in a close 112-109 win against the Philadelphia 76ers, where Bridges connected on only 3 of 16 shots, including a 1-for-9 from beyond the arc.
The Knicks themselves endured a 2-9 run between December 31 and January 19, highlighting a tough phase for the team. Yet Bridges’ performance has sharply improved, as he averaged 24.0 points per game on 71.4 percent shooting across his last two contests.
Bridges’ Honest Reflection on His Challenges
During a postgame interview on MSG Network, Knicks legend and Basketball Hall of Famer Walt Frazier asked Bridges about the impact of his poor shooting night against Philadelphia. Bridges responded with self-awareness:
“A lot. I think a lot of it comes from not just shooting the ball, I think I just wasn’t playing how I was supposed to be playing, I think I wasn’t coachable enough. I don’t know what it was, maybe I felt too much entitlement. But just had to kind of talk to myself a little bit about it, and just be coachable—be the best teammate I can be, and then let the basketball speak for itself.”
— Mikal Bridges, Knicks Guard
Hart and Bridges’ Longstanding Connection and Mutual Respect
Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges share a bond dating back to their time as teammates at Villanova during the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons, with the former culminating in a national championship. Their close relationship adds weight to Hart’s praise of Bridges following his recovery from the slump.
Hart himself had a strong showing in the recent game, contributing 22 points, six assists, five rebounds, and two steals, reinforcing the duo’s important roles for the Knicks as they push forward in the season.
Looking Ahead for the Knicks
The second-place Knicks will aim to extend their current winning streak in their upcoming home game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday. Bridges’ resurgence and the solid performances from players like Hart could be key factors as New York seeks to maintain momentum in a competitive NBA landscape.
