Bridges’ Slump Unacceptable! Knicks’ Title Hopes Fade

Bridges’ Slump Unacceptable! Knicks’ Title Hopes Fade

The New York Knicks are in a tough spot. With just 12 games left in the regular season, they’re battling for seeding. While they’ve played well lately, going 7-3 in their last 10 games, one player’s performance is causing major concern. Mikal Bridges has been struggling, and Stephen A. Smith is not happy about it, calling his recent play “unacceptable.”

Knicks Eyeing Second Seed, But Questions Remain

The Knicks have been playing solid basketball. Over their last 10 games, Jalen Brunson has been a force, averaging 24 points and nearly 10 assists per game. Meanwhile, Julius Randle has chipped in 21 points and 9 rebounds per game, shooting an impressive 60% from the floor. The team’s defense has also been a bright spot, ranking third best in the NBA during this stretch.

This strong play has put the Knicks in contention for the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Their schedule is also favorable, rated as the eighth easiest remaining, while the Boston Celtics face the second hardest. This has led some to believe the Knicks could catch Boston and secure home-court advantage in the playoffs.

“Over the last 10 games, they’ve gone seven and three. Cat has averaged 21 points per game. He’s shooting 60% from the floor. Most importantly, the rebound, the defense, he is averaging nine rebounds a game.”

However, the narrative takes a sharp turn when the conversation shifts to Mikal Bridges. The team gave up a massive haul of draft picks – nearly seven – to acquire him. Now, his recent performance is drawing heavy criticism. Over his last seven games, Bridges has averaged just 7 points per game, scoring only 49 total points in 189 minutes.

Stephen A. Rips Bridges’ Play: “Unacceptable!”

Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back his feelings on Bridges’ struggles. “This man over the last seven games, doggy, is averaging seven points a game. He has played he has scored 49 total points in 189 minutes on the basketball court. That is unacceptable. That is unacceptable,” Smith declared on First Take.

Smith emphasized the cost of acquiring Bridges, reminding viewers of the four unprotected first-round picks, a protected fifth first-round pick, and additional pick swaps and a second-round pick that the Knicks sent to the Brooklyn Nets. “I’m going to remind everybody and I’m going to make people uncomfortable and I don’t give a damn how anybody feels about it cuz I am right,” Smith stated. He believes this trade has hampered the Knicks’ ability to acquire other top talent, like Giannis Antetokounmpo in the past.

Brunson’s Deal and the Knicks’ Future

The discussion also touched upon Jalen Brunson’s contract situation. While Smith praised Brunson as a superstar, he questioned the timing of his contract extension. Brunson signed a four-year, $156 million deal a year earlier than he could have, opting for a shorter, less lucrative deal. Smith suggested that this decision, along with the pursuit of Bridges, might have cost the Knicks valuable assets that could have been used to acquire other stars.

The debate heated up regarding the second seed. One perspective argued that home-court advantage against Boston is crucial. However, Smith countered that he wouldn’t care if the Knicks got the second seed and still lost to Boston, as they did last year. He believes the pressure of playing at home with high expectations might even be detrimental.

“To be that great, to be that basketball savant, to be that two-time national champion at Villanova, you understand? You got to have foresight. You can’t be like, ‘Listen, I could sign a 5year, $270 million deal, but because I’m going to sign a year earlier at four years and 156 million and I’m saving y’all 113 million.'”

Title Hopes Diminishing?

The conversation turned to the Knicks’ championship aspirations. For the first time in years, many see this as a potential Finals opportunity for the Knicks. Smith himself feels this is the best shot the team has had since 1999 to make a deep playoff run. The injuries to other stars like Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, and Tyrese Haliburton seemed to open a path.

However, the team’s recent setbacks, including coach Tom Thibodeau’s departure and Bridges’ offensive struggles, have cast a shadow over these hopes. The offensive system under new leadership was supposed to benefit Bridges, but the results haven’t shown it. Smith remains deeply unsatisfied with Bridges’ current level of play, especially given the immense cost to acquire him.

With the playoffs looming, the Knicks need Mikal Bridges to find his scoring touch. If he can’t, their dreams of a championship, and even home-court advantage in the second round, could slip away.

Source: Stephen A. calls out Mikal Bridges' recent performance 😳 'THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE!' | First Take (YouTube)