Yesterday’s news cycle for the New York Knicks was perhaps the weirdest of the entire 2020s. Since Leon Rose and Tom Thibodeau joined the franchise in 2020, it’s been a tight-lipped organization with little drama. The players defend their coaches, and the coaches cover for the players. It’s always been this way. That’s why it was so shocking when Mikal Bridges went public about his wish for Thibodeau to lessen the minutes’ burden for the starters. It got even stranger when the head coach denied having the conversation about minutes with his star wing and emphatically defended his philosophy. While the debate about playing time still stands, the two men silenced the noise with one of the most legendary moments in Knicks history.
Thibs on Mikal asking less minutes: "We never had a conversation…facts are facts…Wings play more, matched up w top scorers…Mikal's minutes down…Gonna come down more…OG elite level, Josh never wants out…Know the matchups…if LeBron's on floor 40 guy guarding him gonna be 40" pic.twitter.com/gQFyBjDp1W
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) March 13, 2025
Mikal Bridges Knicks Controversy Ends in Legendary Game-Winner
In what was likely the craziest game of the Knicks season, New York won on a fadeaway three-pointer by the player embroiled in controversy. Bridges delivered one of his best performances of the year, posting 33 points and four assists on 13/21 shooting from the field. Bridges also assisted or scored on six of NY’s final seven buckets spanning the end of the fourth quarter and overtime. When his team needed him most in the absence of Jalen Brunson, the former Net turned back the clock to his Brooklyn days. Bridges proved he can be the primary shot creator for this squad while his Villanova teammate heals an ankle injury. When Brunson does return, Bridges should be a much bigger part of the offense than he has been. Outings like last night’s showcase his talent, which has been suppressed by a smaller role far too often.
MIKAL BRIDGES, ARE YOU SERIOUS!!?
33 POINTS AND THE GAME-WINNING TREY 😤 pic.twitter.com/7iubWATP1Q
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 13, 2025
Knicks-Blazers Was One of the Wildest Games of the Year
What appeared to be a run of the mill regular season game between a banged up Knicks group and a “tanking” Blazers squad suddenly turned into an all-time classic. Portland’s young, hungry core of players battled to the bitter end, giving New York all they could handle. Even after Karl-Anthony Towns‘ two late threes looked to be the dagger, an absurd sequence of plays allowed the Blazers to claw their way to overtime. Scoot Henderson, Deni Avdija, and Shaedon Sharpe combined for 78 points, giving the fans in Rip City a glimpse into what could be a bright future.
The game featured the second most lead changes in NBA History (42), second only to Nets/Hawks in 2023. Funnily enough, that one also ended on a game winner by Mikal Bridges. Sometimes, the NBA is simply the gift that keeps on giving. The Knicks were able to overcome an egregious inbound violation by Josh Hart with 7.2 seconds left, despite giving up the go-ahead and-one bucket to Avdija. A tumultuous day for the Knicks organization culminated in an iconic game-winner by the same guy who started all the controversy. While poetic, it was also a must-needed win for a team that had been struggling lately with injuries, failed expectations, and the Thibodeau minutes debate.
New York is Quietly Building an Identity
The one silver lining of their captain’s injury was that it would give other players an opportunity to thrive and gain confidence before the playoffs. Without Brunson’s brilliance, every player in the rotation is forced to chip in and see an increased role. Last night, there were several heroes. Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Towns combined for 77 points on 53 shots, while Hart and Miles McBride made winning plays all over the floor despite poor offensive games. Lastly, New York flexed their defensive muscle. It will be harder to maintain this team-based, defensive identity when Brunson returns. However, if they can, his injury will have made all the difference.
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