With just 13 games left in the regular season, it's crunch time for the New York Knicks. Fresh off a successful three-game winning streak and a grueling west coast road trip, the Knicks are back in the eastern time zone, ready to make a push for the playoffs.
As the postseason looms, it's crucial for the Knicks to hit their stride now. You want to be peaking when it matters most.
Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby are all delivering as expected, while Mitchell Robinson is dominating the boards. The bench has also stepped up with various contributors making their mark.
However, one name noticeably missing from the list of top performers is Mikal Bridges. And it's a glaring omission.
Over his last six games, Bridges is averaging just 6.5 points per game.
Yes, you read that right. 6.5 points.
That's almost like giving up a first-round pick for every point he scores at this rate. It's a head-scratcher.
Bridges is shooting 32% from the field and a mere 21% from beyond the arc during this stretch, logging just over 26 minutes per game. He's found himself benched in the fourth quarter more than once. While his defense remains solid, the player who once averaged over twenty points per game has become an offensive afterthought.
This isn't just a recent slump-it's part of a season-long regression. Bridges' scoring average has dipped from 17.6 to 14.8 points per game over his two seasons with the Knicks.
Those are still respectable numbers, but given the hefty price New York paid for him, expectations were much higher. His lack of aggression with the ball is evident, and when his fadeaway jumpers aren't connecting, things go south quickly.
Bridges was touted as the missing piece when New York acquired him. He was supposed to be the final addition to the "Nova Knicks," poised to etch his name into Madison Square Garden lore and propel the Knicks into serious championship contention.
While New York is seen as a contender, it's not because Bridges elevated their game as anticipated.
Last year's playoffs showed us that Bridges can shine in the spotlight, delivering clutch performances under pressure. Those moments were unforgettable and, arguably, worth the trade alone. But for the Knicks to truly contend for a championship this year, they'll need Bridges to rediscover the form he displayed last postseason.
The Knicks' championship hopes might hinge on which version of Mikal Bridges shows up in the playoffs. He's got 13 games to find his groove before the real test begins.