Mikal Bridges remains in Art NixThe starting line-up, but apart from that, his role is changing, he writes James L. Edwards III of The Athletic. An early-season slump cut into Bridges’ playing time, and he was on the court for just 17:11 in Wednesday’s loss to Cleveland, with two points, one rebound and two assists. Edwards notes that Coach Mike Brown replaced Masti p Landry Shamet just 3:54 into the second half.
“Mikal is a starter”, Brown told reporters after the game. “That’s not the point. He’s had good moments and not-so-great moments, like a lot of players. Mikal has a proven track record of playing at a pretty high level as a starter in this league. So for me to make a panic decision and change him right now, with 10 games or whatever, I’m not feeling it.”
It was the second straight 17-minute outing for Bridges, who has been mired in a terrible shooting slump since the start of the season. A reliable shooter throughout his career, the 30-year-old swingman is shooting just 32.9% from the field and 26.5% from three-point range through his first 11 games.
While Brown remains supportive of Bridges in his public comments, his coaching decisions reflect a loss of trust, Edwards added, noting that Bridges has only gotten fourth-quarter minutes in six games this season. Edwards states that Shamet is guarding the reserve, Miles McBride and Jordan Clarkson all have been more influential by now.
There are more from New York:
- Brown was frustrated with the lack of free throws his team got on Wednesday, noting that the star guard Jalen Brunson did not reach the line at all, relay ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill. “I’m a little surprised” – said Brown. “I have to go back and watch film, but Jalen plays 34 minutes and doesn’t have a single free throw. It’s very concerning.”
- Despite the loss Mitchell Robinson in free agency, the Knicks have been the best rebounding team this season Stefan Bondi of The New York Post (subscriber link). Before Wednesday, they led the NBA in rebounding with 49.4 per game and ranked second in offensive rebounding at 14.9. Veterans Center Andre Drummondwho was signed to replace Robinson, was a big part of that effort. “Andre has done a fantastic job in this area as an individual” – said Brown. “He’s not Mitch, nobody would compare him to Mitch, but he’s brought something to the table that we really like. He’s always been a great offensive tackle and now he’s showing that as a person.”
- Josh Hart returned Wednesday after missing three games with ankle soreness and illness, trans Peter Sblendorio of The New York Daily News (subscription required).“Right now we are not very good in the transition game, in attack” Brown said before the game. “When he doesn’t play, you feel his presence is missing.”
