Mikal Bridges Spurs Knicks' Finals Push With 0-0 Mentality After 2-0 Collapse
Updated
Updated · Daily Knicks · Jun 5
Mikal Bridges Spurs Knicks' Finals Push With 0-0 Mentality After 2-0 Collapse
3 articles · Updated · Daily Knicks · Jun 5
Summary
Mikal Bridges has emerged as New York's only starter with NBA Finals experience, using the lesson from Phoenix's 2021 collapse after a 2-0 lead to keep the Knicks treating each game as "0-0."
That mindset has spread through the locker room — Karl-Anthony Towns has echoed the phrase — as Bridges tries to prevent New York from relaxing during its title run.
Bridges has backed the message with elite two-way play, shooting 58.3% this postseason after Game 1 against San Antonio while taking key assignments against top scoring guards.
The emphasis on Bridges' mentality adds to his on-court value after New York paid heavily to acquire him, reinforcing coach Mike Brown's season-long push to build a team hardened by adversity.