Mikal Bridges addressed media on Sunday, ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks hold a 2-0 series lead over the Spurs entering Monday’s matchup.
The veteran wing was asked about past championship experiences, including his college years and earlier postseason runs. “In college, I guess, being, winning championships. Yeah, that’s pretty much it. Just being together, being a team, playing hard, and trying to do the right thing.”
Bridges also tied those experiences to the current situation in the NBA Finals. “And finals, yeah, just same situation, being up 2-0. Yeah, just got to keep fighting and I think we do a great job as a team of always knowing that it’s 0-0 after every win and staying locked in on just the next game.”
When reminded of historical comebacks after strong starts, Bridges referenced a previous series outcome. “Yeah, I just remember just losing four straight. That’s what I remember out of that.”
He expanded on the lesson from that experience, stressing urgency despite the lead. “It’s always going to stick with you. But we do a great job and we understand that after every game, no matter what, it’s always zero at the end of the day.”
Defensively, Bridges discussed the Spurs’ perimeter pressure and transition speed. “Their ability, they use their speed, quickness, and I think just physical and they can finish really well. Brings challenges just to guard them as a team and help each other out.”
He also pointed to areas the Knicks still need to tighten. “I still think we got to do way better. I don’t think we’re up to what we’re supposed to be doing as a team defensively in transition.”
Reflecting on Game 2’s fourth quarter, Bridges was direct about late-game lapses. “Just got to be better the whole fourth. Turnover, shot selection, defense, transition defense.”
The Knicks forward added that discipline remains central despite the series position. “We had a good lead, but we know how the league works and being this far, playing against a really good team, no lead’s ever safe.”
Bridges also addressed the Spurs’ backcourt challenges, noting their overall depth. “All their players, they got a really good team. But their ability, they use their speed, quickness… just playing good team defense.”
He was asked about teammate Jalen Brunson sliding in the draft and what it revealed about evaluation at the time. “Sometimes when it leads up to the draft, measurements and stuff and all them things, there’s just too too important for teams, you know, besides sometimes just watching basketball.”
On New York’s approach to momentum, Bridges emphasized process over results. “I personally, I think we really don’t care too much about the winning streak or anything like that… we just try to take it one game at a time.”
He also discussed his early playoff form and support from the staff. “Yeah, very important. Just helped me just stay in the right mindset.”
Bridges closed by reflecting on durability and playing every game. “Just want to be out there… I think subconsciously, knowing how the league goes, it never ever kind of leave a window open for somebody to take your spot.”
Game 3 now shifts to Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks will attempt to extend their series lead while the Spurs look to respond after two narrow road losses.
