Mikal Bridges emphasized composure, physicality, and trust in teammates following the New York Knicks’ 116-113 Game 6 victory over the Detroit Pistons that sealed the first-round series on Thursday night.
Bridges, who scored 25 points and delivered a key putback in the fourth quarter, spoke postgame about the Knicks’ aggressive approach and the critical role of Jalen Brunson’s leadership down the stretch.
“Just trying to be aggressive,” Bridges said. “They try to take him away, and we’ve got to punch back when they do that.”
Brunson, who finished with 40 points including the go-ahead step-back three-pointer with 4.3 seconds left, earned high praise from Bridges for his composure under pressure.
“He didn’t really care, let’s be honest,” Bridges said. “High-pressure situations don’t faze him… I felt like I made the shot too, I was so geeked up.”
Bridges also highlighted the physical toll of the series, comparing it to past playoff runs he experienced in the Western Conference.
“From Game 1 you could feel the energy, feel how everybody was real physical,” he said.
New York’s starters combined for 110 points, with OG Anunoby adding 22 and hitting four three-pointers, helping the team overcome blown leads in both halves.
Bridges described his breakaway dunk following an OG Anunoby block as symbolic of the team’s intensity and defensive urgency.
“I wish I had it in front of their bench to see the reaction,” he joked. “I love my teammates. I just try to go out there, make a play, and I play for them.”
Detroit nearly forced a Game 7, coming back from a seven-point deficit in the final minutes, but failed to get a shot off after Malik Beasley mishandled a pass with 0.4 seconds remaining.
Cade Cunningham posted 23 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds but went 0-for-8 from deep and missed a potential go-ahead layup late in the fourth.
Bridges commended the Pistons for their fight and predicted future playoff success for the young group.
“They showed why they should be in this position. They’re going to be really good for a lot of years,” he said.
Looking ahead to a second-round matchup against the Boston Celtics, Bridges said the Knicks will use past experience to prepare for the defending champions.
“We’ve always taken the toughest path… I hope this series answers a lot of questions about who this team is,” he said. “We’re going to recoup, learn from the past, and get ready.”
Game 1 of the Knicks-Celtics series tips off Monday night in Boston.
