After struggling offensively for much of the Knicks’ first-round series against Atlanta, Mikal Bridges has suddenly found his rhythm at the perfect time for New York.
Bridges scored 11 points or fewer in each of the first five games against the Hawks before breaking out with 24 points during the Knicks’ massive 51-point victory in Game 6.
His strong finish carried directly into the second round against Philadelphia.
In Game 1 against the Sixers, Bridges delivered another highly efficient performance, finishing with 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting while adding five assists and posting a plus-19 rating in only 27 minutes.
Beyond the scoring, Bridges also played a major role defensively by helping contain Philadelphia guard Tyrese Maxey throughout the game.
Jalen Brunson emphasized how valuable Bridges has become to the Knicks’ playoff success.
“It’s very important. He’s a huge factor for us,” Brunson told Zach Braziller of the New York Post. “He’s been playing great.”
While Bridges has elevated his play, OG Anunoby has also been on a dominant stretch offensively.
According to Braziller, Anunoby has shot an incredible 23-for-30 from the field and 8-for-11 from three-point range over the last three games.
Brunson credited Anunoby’s aggressiveness and decision-making as key reasons behind the recent offensive explosion.
“I think [it’s] the way he’s been able to create space, the way he’s been attacking,” Brunson said. “Those things have been a key factor for him.
“Obviously, he’s knocking down shot after shot. He’s just playing real aggressive, really downhill. … He’s creating havoc, and he’s making good decisions.”
Despite the convincing Game 1 victory, Brunson does not expect Philadelphia to look the same moving forward in the series.
The Knicks star anticipates a far more aggressive and prepared response from the Sixers in Game 2.
“I don’t think we’re going to see that team, from Game 1 to Game 2,” Brunson said, per Vincent Goodwill of ESPN. “They’ll be ready to go.”
Knicks Notes: Offensive Explosion, Bridges, Anunoby, Game 2, Jones https://t.co/z8562dSQ2c
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 5, 2026
