New York Knicks wing Mikal Bridges came up clutch defensively again during Wednesday’s 91-90 Game 2 Eastern Conference semifinal road win over the Boston Celtics. Afterward, Bridges’ star teammate Karl-Anthony Towns praised his lockdown defensive abilities.
After trailing by 20 points in the third quarter, New York began chipping away before outscoring Boston 30-17 in the fourth quarter to complete its comeback. It took a 91-90 lead on a pair of made free throws by star point guard Jalen Brunson with 12.7 seconds remaining, needing a stop to close out the contest.
Bridges delivered, coming over as a help defender to steal the ball from Celtics superstar forward Jayson Tatum on the baseline in the closing seconds. The seven-year pro then launched the ball up the court as time expired, capping off a dramatic finish.
That marked the second straight outing Bridges secured a victory-sealing stop. He previously ripped the ball away from Boston star wing Jaylen Brown at the 3-point line to wrap up Monday’s 108-105 Game 1 overtime road win. With his latest heroic defensive stand, Bridges continued endearing himself to Knicks fans and his teammates.
Karl-Anthony Towns Lauds Mikal Bridges After His Game-Saving Stop in Game 2 Against Celtics
Following New York’s thrilling Game 2 triumph, Towns was asked what went through his mind when Bridges secured another decisive steal. The five-time All-Star noted that he has come to expect such plays from Bridges over their first year as teammates.
“That’s what he does,” Towns said. “We got the Clutch Player of the Year in the NBA, and we possibly got one of the most clutchest defenders in the NBA as well. So, it’s only right that with all the talk people have done about Mikal, it’s when the lights were the brightest that he gets to show his worth.”
On top of his critical stop on Tatum, Bridges answered the call offensively, scoring all 14 of his points in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Towns finished with a 21-point, 17-rebound double-double, dominating inside.
Bridges Showed Why Knicks Surrendered 5 First-Round Picks for Him
Much has been made about Bridges’ first campaign with New York and whether the franchise gave up too much to acquire him during the offseason. The Knicks’ trade package to the Brooklyn Nets included five first-round picks, which some felt was too hefty a price tag for a non-All-Star-caliber player.
However, Bridges has proven his doubters wrong in the postseason, showcasing his two-way skill set that made him such a valuable asset.
He will look to maintain his defensive tenacity at home when the series shifts to Madison Square Garden for Saturday’s Game 3 tilt.
