The Knicks evened their first-round series with the Atlanta Hawks 2-2 on Saturday night.
However, Mikal Bridges played only briefly in the second half. He logged 19 minutes in the 114-98 victory, and like many, Stephen A. Smith took notice, which he did not forget to mention in his Monday segment of “First Take.”
Stephen A. Smith Voices Frustration Over Mikal Bridges’ Reduced Role
Smith had a lot to rant about, but first, it was about the gap between Bridges and his backup, Miles McBride.
“Yo, Mikal Bridges, what’s up, bro?” Smith said. “They gave up all these assets for you. You just going to sit oddly by and McBride is a plus 29 when they’re on the court together, and you a minus 26? Damn, that’s a 56-point difference with McBride on the court in favor of Mikal Bridges. That’s not something to be alarmed about when four first-round unprotected picks was given up for you.”
Stephen A. Smith on the Knicks benching Mikal Bridges:
“Yo, Mikal Bridges, what’s up, bro? They gave up all these assets for you. You just going to sit oddly by and McBride is a plus 29 when they on the court together and you a minus 26. Damn, that’s a 56 POINT DIFFERENCE WITH… pic.twitter.com/2EhNDOnSJc
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) April 27, 2026
Smith’s frustration wasn’t just an analyst’s opinion on TV, considering he’s a big Knicks fan and supporter.
“I’m not trying to sit up there and make life hard for Mikal Bridges. I’m a Knicks fan. I’m rooting for the brother. You understand? I don’t want to upset Josh Hart. I got love for Josh Hart. … But damn it, we talking basketball. We ain’t talking about your personal life.”
The Knicks acquired Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets in the summer of 2024 for five first-round picks plus other assets, then handed him a four-year, $150 million extension the next year. The deal carries a $41.5 million player option in 2029–30.
He played 21 minutes in Atlanta in Game 3, scored 0 points, went 0-of-3 from the floor, had 4 turnovers, and had a plus/minus of -26. He was holding back tears in the locker room afterward.
Then, for Game 4, Bridges had 8 points in 19 minutes. He shot 3-of-4, sat the entire last quarter while McBride hit big shots in his place (11 points on 4-of-7, 3 made 3s, and a plus/minus of +13).
“At the end of the day, I just felt that [McBride] had it rolling,” Brown said postgame. “They were gonna double Jalen [Brunson]. When they did, [McBride] hit some big 3s. So if a guy has it rolling, he may have a chance to stay out on the floor.”
Bridges averaged 14.4 points this regular season, which is his lowest output since 2021–22. Through four playoff games, this particular postseason has only shrunk his role.
Bridges’ minutes fell off a cliff due to his poor performance. He played 32 minutes in Game 1 and 37 minutes in Game 2. But in Atlanta, he was down to 21 minutes in Game 3 and 19 in Game 4. He also missed a potential game-winner in Game 2.
His contract, however, is the bigger problem here, and he’s going to be 30 this offseason. Any trade return won’t approach the five first-round picks New York surrendered to acquire him.
That contract also complicates any star hunt. League sources have linked the Knicks to Giannis Antetokounmpo. Bridges has long been viewed as the centerpiece of any such offer, but his postseason stock is dropping by the game.
