Why This 2018 Draft Pick Is the Key to the Knicks Playoff Run vs. Detroit
After a gritty 118-116 Game Three victory over the Detroit Pistons, the New York Knicks now hold a 2-1 series lead in their first-round matchup. The leadership of Jalen Brunson and the interior presence of Karl Anthony-Towns proved to be essential. Especially, with the latter putting up 31 points. However, as this series goes on, it’s becoming increasingly clear, Mikal Bridges is the X-factor for this Knicks team. His two-way performance in Game Three wasn’t just impactful it was crucial. If the Knicks are to close out this series, Bridges must continue to play at this elevated level.
Bridges put up a near-flawless all-around stat line in Thursday night’s win: 20 points on seven-of-thirteen shooting, three-of-six from three, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. Here’s the kicker; as fascinating as those numbers are, they only tell half the story of how well Bridges played. His effectiveness, and versatile impact goes beyond just what numbers can tell. It takes an incredible attention to detail to fully acknowledge and appreciate all that he does on the floor.
Whether it was sinking clutch corner threes or helping contain Detroit’s dynamic backcourt, Bridges was everywhere. His presence was felt on nearly every critical possession. His ability to impact both ends of the floor at such a high level gave the Knicks the stability they desperately needed. It was a masterclass performance of versatility and poise. What’s more impressive is the timing of his impact. His defensive switch onto Cade Cunningham late in the third quarter helped slow down Detroit’s scoring momentum. On offense, his off-ball movement and efficient shooting kept the floor spaced for Brunson and Towns to operate inside. His decision-making in the clutch proved to be heroic for his team.
It is no coincidence that the Knicks’ most cohesive stretches in Game Three came with Bridges orchestrating spacing and locking down on the wing. His ability to recognize and attack defensive gaps gave the Knicks another dimension they had been lacking earlier in the series. Every possession where Bridges made a read or forced a turnover seemed to turn the momentum in New York’s favor. It’s like every time he touches the basketball it leads to buckets. He was a difference-maker throughout the 48 minutes. Bridges has guarded everyone from Cunningham to Bojan Bogdanović throughout this series thus far, putting his long wingspan to great use when disrupting passing lanes and forcing turnovers. The Pistons’ offense thrives on rhythm and movement, both of which Bridges is adept at disrupting. His ability to switch across multiple positions without losing a step has been vital to the Knicks' defensive schemes. If he can continue neutralizing Detroit’s perimeter weapons, it will put immense pressure on their half-court sets. It also increases the likelihood of turnovers and rushed shots, leading to easy transition points for New York.
With Detroit doubling Brunson regularly, the Knicks desperately need a consistent third-scoring option. Bridges has filled that role perfectly when aggressive. In New York’s two wins in this series, he’s shooting a combined 58.3% from the field. In the lone Game Two loss, he scored just 12 points and did not score in the fourth quarter. The correlation is undeniable. When Bridges is assertive offensively, the Knicks’ offense hums with better flow and balance. His presence alleviates the pressure off Brunson and Towns, creating a three-headed attack that Detroit has struggled to contain.
Amid the controversial clock mishap in the final seconds of Game Three, it was Bridges who calmly corralled his team during the stoppage. His playoff experience and demeanor bring stability in moments of chaos, especially valuable in a series that’s already featured intense finishes and hostile crowd environments. Having someone who can remain collected when emotions are running high is an underrated but critical asset. Bridges’ steady hand in these high-pressure situations could ultimately be the difference between an early playoff exit and a deep run. His leadership by example is resonating throughout the Knicks' roster. It was a subtle but powerful reminder of his value.
The Knicks are two wins away from advancing. The margin for error, however, is slim. The Pistons are young, hungry, and dangerous. For New York to slam the door shut, Bridges must remain aggressive on offense and unforgiving on defense. His ability to guard multiple positions, hit timely shots, and execute head coach Tom Thibodeau’s schemes makes him arguably their most irreplaceable player not named Jalen Brunson. If he falters, the Knicks lose their most versatile weapon. If Bridges keeps performing like he did in Game Three, New York won’t just win this series, they’ll become a team no one wants to face in the East.
