Knicks’ Win Streak Tested: Is Mikal Bridges Back?

Knicks Grab Seventh Straight, But Doubts Linger

The New York Knicks have rattled off seven wins in a row, a streak that includes a recent five-point victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, even with Zion Williamson on the court. Jalen Brunson led the charge with 32 points, while OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns added a combined 42. Despite the impressive run at Madison Square Garden, questions remain about the true strength of this Knicks team, especially when facing top-tier opponents.

Mikal Bridges Finds His Groove

Amidst the team’s success, a bright spot has emerged in Mikal Bridges. After a slump that saw him struggle over his previous seven to eight games, Bridges has put together back-to-back solid performances. He dropped 14 points in each of those games, shooting an efficient 43% from the field and an impressive 43% from three-point range. This return to form is a massive relief for the Knicks, who desperately need his offensive contribution.

“About time you showed up. Okay. After what you looked like the last seven to eight games or so. Okay. So, I’m very, very happy. And obviously, we need that. We need that from him desperately.”

Concerns Remain About Elite Competition

While the seven-game winning streak is noteworthy, the quality of competition has raised eyebrows. Stephen A. Smith, a prominent voice on ESPN’s First Take, expressed his reservations. He pointed out that the Knicks haven’t faced a single team with a winning record during this streak. He highlighted close calls, like a one-point win against the Brooklyn Nets and a five-point win against the Pelicans. Even a victory against the Golden State Warriors came against a team missing half its roster, which Smith described as a “G-League team.”

The Detroit Pistons Problem

Smith’s biggest concern isn’t the Knicks’ ability to beat most Eastern Conference teams like the Boston Celtics or Cleveland Cavaliers. Instead, he’s fixated on the Detroit Pistons. Smith detailed how the Pistons have thoroughly beaten the Knicks three times this season, often by large margins and with a clear statement of intent. He described these losses as embarrassing and emphatic, suggesting the Pistons intentionally aimed to assert dominance.

The Pistons’ physicality and aggressive mindset, coupled with their impressive frontcourt of Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren, pose a significant threat. Smith believes players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson, along with OG Anunoby, will need to elevate their game significantly to match Detroit’s intensity. He also noted that while the Pistons lack a consistent secondary scorer, players like Duren have stepped up, and the expected return of Cade Cunningham adds another layer of concern.

“It’s not that broad. It’s very, very specific. I don’t believe in the New York Knicks against the Detroit Pistons. I don’t believe in the New York Knicks against them because I’ve watched them whip the Knicks living ass three times this year in very, very thorough, embarrassing, and emphatic fashion. That’s my problem with the New York Knicks.”

Home Court Advantage? Not So Much.

The discussion also touched upon the importance of home-court advantage in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Smith argued that for the Knicks, whether they secure the second or third seed doesn’t mean much. He recalled the Knicks winning two playoff games in Boston last year, suggesting they can win on the road. He believes the focus on regular-season seeding is less critical in a conference where teams like Cleveland are faltering and Detroit is showing such dominance.

Looking Ahead: A Tough Road Trip

The Knicks’ mettle will be truly tested in their upcoming schedule. Following their seven-game home stand, they face a challenging four-game road trip against the Charlotte Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and Memphis Grizzlies. Smith suggested fans should pay close attention to these games to gauge the Knicks’ true potential against stronger competition.

While the Knicks have shown resilience during their win streak, their ability to compete with the league’s elite, particularly the Pistons, remains a significant question mark heading into the latter half of the season. The return of Mikal Bridges is a positive sign, but the team needs more consistent performances and a tougher mentality to silence the doubters.

Source: Stephen A. goes FULL SASS MODE applauding Mikal Bridges after Knicks' win 👏 | First Take (YouTube)