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Knicks make stunning Mikal Bridges decision during comeback win as Mike Brown sends clear message
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- Knicks make stunning Mikal Bridges decision during comeback win as Mike Brown sends clear message
Knicks make stunning Mikal Bridges decision during comeback win as Mike Brown sends clear message originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The New York Knicks needed a comeback Wednesday night. They also needed something different from their lineup. Head coach Mike Brown made a decision that might generate nearly as much discussion as the team's 133-127 victory over the Chicago Bulls .
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Veteran forward Mikal Bridges played just 13 minutes, including only three in the second half, as Brown relied heavily on several reserves to complete a comeback from a 19-point deficit. Bridges finished with three points on 1-of-4 shooting.
For a player who has been such a prominent part of New York's lineup, the limited playing time was a surprising development. But the decision worked.
Brown trusted the players delivering results
The Knicks entered halftime trailing Chicago and eventually fell behind by 19 points during the third quarter. Instead of sticking rigidly with his usual rotation, Brown leaned on Tyler Kolek, Jordan Clarkson and Landry Shamet.
The three reserves combined for 41 points and 15 assists.
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Kolek provided nine points and nine assists, helping New York generate better offensive movement. Clarkson scored 18 points, including 12 during the fourth quarter. Shamet added 14 points and five assists, giving the Knicks another perimeter option as the comeback developed.
Brown explained afterward that the reserve combinations were performing effectively, leaving little reason to disrupt what was working. That decision meant Bridges spent most of the second half watching from the bench. It was one of his shortest appearances since joining New York, excluding brief appearances made to maintain his consecutive-games streak.
Brunson still delivered the biggest performance
Jalen Brunson finished with 38 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter. The Knicks guard made six of his 10 three-point attempts and repeatedly attacked Chicago's defense as New York erased the deficit.
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His performance helped the Knicks secure their second victory in as many nights after opening the season with three consecutive losses.
Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 19 points and 13 rebounds despite experiencing a brief injury scare following a hard fall in the first quarter. New York's comeback was particularly impressive considering the team had played Detroit the previous night and arrived in Chicago late.
But the win also showed that Brown is willing to adjust his rotation when the situation demands it. That could become an important storyline as the defending NBA champions attempt to build momentum.
MORE: Knicks avoid embarrassing NBA history with remarkable turnaround against undefeated Pistons
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What happens to Bridges now?
One difficult game doesn't mean Bridges has permanently lost his starting role. The veteran remains an important part of New York's roster, and his ability to defend multiple positions has considerable value over a full season.
But Wednesday showed that Brown isn't necessarily going to rely on reputation or established roles when another combination is producing better results.
That approach creates accountability throughout the roster. It also raises questions about how Bridges can regain his offensive rhythm after a slow start.
The Knicks improved to 2-3 with the victory and will open NBA Cup play Friday against Philadelphia. The immediate priority is building on consecutive wins after a disappointing start to the season.
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For Bridges, the challenge is finding ways to contribute consistently enough that his coach wants him on the floor during the game's most important moments.
For Brown, Wednesday provided a valuable result. He made a difficult rotation decision, trusted his reserves and watched the Knicks complete a 19-point comeback.
The win belonged to the entire team. But the coaching decision might be what everyone remembers.
