Mikal Bridges’ highly anticipated debut as a New York Knick did not go as planned, as he struggled to find his footing in a lopsided 132-109 season-opening loss to the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night. The former Brooklyn Nets star had a difficult start offensively and was tasked with guarding a red-hot Jayson Tatum, who led the Celtics to a dominant victory. Despite a strong second-half recovery, his initial performance left fans concerned.
A Game of Two Halves for Bridges
The night started as a nightmare for Mikal Bridges. In the first half, he couldn’t get anything to fall, leaving the Madison Square Garden crowd in anxious silence. He seemed out of sync with the offense and was unable to contribute on the scoreboard before halftime.
His struggles in the opening two quarters were significant and highlighted the team’s overall issues.
- He missed all five of his initial shot attempts.
- He failed to convert four shots from behind the three-point line.
- Bridges also missed a technical free throw, compounding his frustrating start.
However, the second half told a completely different story. After the break, Bridges looked like a new player. He scored all 16 of his points in the second half, making an impressive seven of his last eight shots. “Man, my teammates kept finding me, and just making one shot felt like lifting the lid off,” Bridges said, explaining his turnaround.
| Stat Category | First Half | Second Half |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 0 | 16 |
| Shooting | 0-for-5 | 7-for-8 |
| Assists | 0 | 3 |
Defensive Difficulties Against Tatum
While Bridges eventually found his offensive rhythm, his defensive performance was a major concern throughout the game. He was given the tough assignment of guarding Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum, who delivered a masterful performance.
Tatum finished with a game-high 37 points, shooting a blistering 8-for-11 from three-point range. He was able to get into his rhythm early and never looked back, punishing the Knicks’ defense repeatedly. Bridges acknowledged his shortcomings on that end of the floor after the game.
“I definitely could have done better,” Bridges admitted. “Tatum got into a rhythm, and I should have been up on him more.” His inability to slow down Tatum was a key factor in the Celtics’ offensive explosion, as Boston tied an NBA record with 29 made three-pointers.
Teammates Offer Their Support
Despite the tough debut, Bridges’ teammates were quick to come to his defense and dismiss any long-term concerns. Veteran guard Josh Hart was particularly vocal in his support, shutting down any narrative about Bridges’ shooting struggles.
“Mikal don’t care about anything else. The talk around it is stupid,” Hart stated firmly. “He’s almost a 40 percent three-point shooter, and we’re not going to entertain it.” This public backing is crucial for a new player trying to acclimate to the high-pressure environment of New York basketball.
Looking Ahead for the Knicks
The blowout loss was an embarrassing start to the season for the Knicks, and Bridges’ performance is now under the microscope. As a key player acquired in a major offseason trade, expectations for him are incredibly high. This first game showed that there will be an adjustment period.
The team will need to regroup quickly, and Bridges will be looking to build on his strong second half. While it was likely just an off-night for a player of his caliber, he will need to find consistency on both ends of the floor to prove he can be the star the Knicks need him to be.
