SAN ANTONIO — Over the past two seasons, there has been no bigger lightning rod on the Knicks roster than Mikal Bridges.
He was an easy target for his inconsistency, but mostly because each of his performances was judged against the five first-round picks the Knicks used to get him from Brooklyn — picks that could have landed a superstar, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo.
But in the early hours of Sunday morning, Bridges wore a hat and shirt that declared him an NBA champion, taking sips of champagne after wiping away tears of joy. He was a vital piece of the Knicks’ first title team in 53 years, forever validating the trade that helped produce perhaps the most meaningful champion New York has ever seen.
“You talking about f–k them picks?” Bridges responded when asked about the constant criticism he’s received. “F–k ’em … I’m still here.”
If Leon Rose hadn’t traded for Bridges, he could’ve used those picks to acquire a greater talent. But it’s unlikely he would’ve found a better fit.
The chemistry was precise, reuniting Bridges — a two-time national champion at Villanova — with college teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, while bringing in a two-way talent who would sacrifice shots to contribute to a contender.
Less than eight weeks ago, Bridges was set to be a scapegoat, following a scoreless effort against the Hawks in which he was benched and the Knicks moved two losses from a first-round exit. But Bridges won the fanbase back, becoming unrecognizably aggressive on both ends of the floor while shooting the lights out and shutting down a series of All-Star guards during their 13-game winning streak.
“The times I’ve been struggling, the fans were on me — the thing is about me, I want to always be better,” Bridges said. “So whatever, how they feel, I always want to be better. They keep pushing me and if they strongly believe that we have a chance every year and if they strongly believe I have a chance to be better, I’m already thinking about that.
“I appreciate the tough love. I know some fans might be a little bit crazier than others, but the ones that truly care, and want me to be better, don’t stop now. Just keep pushing me.
“I know sometimes I’ll struggle, this and that, but just know I’m going to keep working. If they keep egging me on and talking a little s–t, I’m pretty tough, I’ll be all right.”
In Game 2 of the NBA Finals, Bridges carried the offense when Brunson struggled, recording 20 points, six rebounds and six assists in the road win. In the championship clincher, Bridges was the second-leading scorer (14 points on 5-for-10 shooting), adding four assists and a late-game block.
The verdict is in.
“F–k them picks,” teammate Ariel Hukporti said. “F–k ’em. Look what we got … We got him out of Brooklyn. Look at him now, you’re a champion.
“Look at him now.”
