Mikal Bridges’ first season in New York didn’t go the way anyone hoped. After arriving with high expectations, he struggled to find rhythm on either end of the floor. Sure, there were flashes-his Christmas Day scoring outburst, a couple of clutch defensive stops against Boston in the playoffs-but for most of the year, Bridges looked like a player caught between roles, trying to rediscover the two-way impact that made him so valuable in Phoenix and Brooklyn.
Fast forward to this season, and it’s a different story. With a new head coach in Mike Brown and a fresh start in the system, Bridges is reminding everyone why he was such a coveted piece in past trades. Nineteen games in, it’s clear: this version of Mikal Bridges isn’t just a return to form-it might be the best we’ve ever seen from him.
Let’s talk numbers first. Bridges is averaging 16.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game.
The scoring is a little lower than in recent years, but everything else? Career-best territory.
In fact, if the season ended today, he’d be setting personal highs in assists, steals, and blocks-by a wide margin.
But stats can only tell part of the story. What’s really driving this leap is how Bridges is impacting games, especially on the defensive end.
He’s currently tied for the league lead in total STOCKS (that’s steals plus blocks), trailing only Victor Wembanyama and Keegan Murray in STOCKS per game-and both of those guys have played fewer games. He ranks third in the NBA in multi-steal games and is the only player in the league averaging at least two steals and one block per night.
That’s elite company, and it speaks to just how disruptive he’s become.
So what changed?
Part of it is simply better execution. Bridges is hitting shots he missed last season and showing a renewed focus defensively. But a lot of the credit belongs to Mike Brown, who’s made a clear effort to put Bridges in positions to succeed-on both ends.
Offensively, Brown has given Bridges more responsibility as a ballhandler and secondary creator, a shift from last season under Tom Thibodeau. That trust has paid off in the form of improved playmaking and decision-making. But it’s the defensive side where Brown’s adjustments have really unlocked Bridges’ full potential.
One of the more subtle but impactful changes: Bridges is spending less time guarding opposing point guards. That’s allowed him to shift into more of a roaming, help-defender role-think of it like a free safety in football.
Instead of chasing quick guards around screens all night, he’s now able to use his length and anticipation to jump passing lanes, rotate from the weak side, and contest shots at the rim. The result?
Career-highs in deflections, steals, and blocks, and a noticeable uptick in his overall defensive activity.
In short, the Knicks have found a way to let Bridges be Bridges again-and maybe even more than that. This isn’t just the Phoenix version of Bridges. This is a more complete, more confident, and more versatile player who’s making a difference in every phase of the game.
And the best part? His impact feels sustainable.
Even if the three-point shooting cools off a bit, the defensive playmaking and improved passing aren’t going anywhere. Those are habits, not hot streaks.
They translate, especially when the intensity ramps up in the playoffs.
Knicks fans were hoping to see the old Mikal Bridges this year. What they’re getting might just be the best version yet.