In the 2021 NBA Finals, the Phoenix Suns were two wins away from winning the NBA Finals. Unfortunately, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks took over the series and won the championship.
One of the players on the Suns at that time was New York Knicks wing Mikal Bridges. It was a loss that stays with him to this day. It looks like it is the main fuel that is driving him to have good performances against the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals.
Mikal Bridges is letting his 2021 Finals loss fuel his 2026 Finals performance
During the 2021 Playoffs, it felt the Suns were destined for greatness with Devin Booker and Chris Paul leading the way. Bridges played a pivotal role as their resident 3-and-D wing.
However, he could not stop Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton from taking over and winning that series. Now, it has stuck with him for a long time, even if he has already played for the Brooklyn Nets and now, the Knicks.
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Now that they are two wins away from the 2026 championship, Bridges has one hand on the Larry O'Brien trophy. However, it seems he does not want to get carried away because of his experience.
"I think just being here before, knowing how it's going to be. Just a lot of experience, knowing how much effort you need to give every single moment," Bridges said after Game 2 of the 2026 Finals.
The NBA Finals are not yet over, and the Knicks know that. Even Bridges knows that, as they are going into Game 3 with the mentality that it's 0-0. The Knicks are staying hungry, so they are ready to keep pushing to win their first title in over five decades.
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