The New York Knicks wrapped up a 4-0 sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Knicks didn't just complete the sweep. They dominated, and Knicks' fans completely took over Xfinity Mobile Arena. And a lot of the Knicks' success came down to the performance of Mikal Bridges. Bridges turned his season around entirely, with the narrative around him going from “how could we give up so many picks for him,” to “how could we get by without him?” And now the Knicks look like favorites in the East, thanks, in part, to Bridges.
Mikal Bridges' hot play makes Knicks all the more dangerous
Mikal Bridges seemed to struggle in the regular season in 2025-26. And that was a continuation of a recent decline. After averaging a near career-high 19.6 points per game with the Brooklyn Nets in 2023-24, Bridges' scoring decreased to 17.6 per game with the Knicks in 2024-25. And it dropped further to 14.4 this season.
Maybe it's a role thing, with Bridges struggling to find his place over the long haul of the regular season. Or maybe he just thrives on the pressure. But just like last year, Bridges appears to have come alive for the playoffs.
After a slow start against the Atlanta Hawks this past season, Bridges has averaged 18.8 points per game across the Knicks' last five games. And that includes Game 6 against the Hawks. But it's about more than just numbers. Bridges is moving like a man possessed. He's confident. And he's getting shots in the rhythm of the game.
Ultimately, Bridges plays best when he's attacking the rim and taking a number of shots from the mid-range, typically fadeaways. And game 4 was no different. Bridges was six-for-10 from the field with only two 3-point attempts.
Additionally, his defense was maniacal. His length created turnovers in unlikely situations, much like last year against the Boston Celtics. He served as a key point-of-attack defender on Tyrese Maxey, limiting the All-Star to 18.3 points per game on just 45% shooting from the field.
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Mikal Bridges is a key to Knicks continued success
New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) drives against Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) in the first quarter during game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Bridges is among the many bright spots of this postseason for a Knicks team that looked lost just a few games ago. But with Bridges playing as he has over the past five or so games, the Knicks are incredibly tough to beat for anyone. In the four-game sweep against the 76ers, Bridges shot 64% from the field. He also chipped in 3.5 assists and 3.5 steals.
If Bridges can keep that up, especially if he does so after OG Anunoby returns from injury, New York will add an entirely new dimension. And it's one that those around the team have been salivating over since adding Bridges.
With Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Anunoby representing major scoring threats, having a fourth player who can also score the ball makes the Knicks even more dangerous. Teams cannot double-team Bridges with Brunson, Towns, and Anunoby on the floor. That is even more the case when Josh Hart, Miles McBride, or Jordan Clarkson share the floor with them and hit shots as they've done of late.
The Knicks success if very much predicted on the entire team. Granted, Brunson takes over games. As does Towns. But no one on the team is good enough to outduel entire opposing teams at this late stage of the playoffs. Securing wins means multiple—if not all—Knicks contributing. Thus, Bridges coming alive now is perfectly timed. And if it continues, there is little that can stop New York this season.
The New York Knicks wrapped up a 4-0 sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Knicks didn't just complete the sweep. They dominated, and Knicks' fans completely took over Xfinity Mobile Arena. And a lot of the Knicks' success came down to the performance of Mikal Bridges.