Mikal Bridges Benched as Knicks Suffer Defeat to Pistons
The New York Knicks recently endured a tough battle against the Detroit Pistons, suffering a 126-111 loss at Madison Square Garden. One notable storyline emerging from this game was the benching of guard Mikal Bridges, who was sidelined for the final 9½ minutes. Coach Mike Brown opted to give Landry Shamet the floor instead, emphasizing the need for offensive production as his team struggled to score.
Mikal Bridges’ Underwhelming Performance
Bridges, who was acquired in a high-profile trade involving five first-round picks and recently signed a $150 million extension, managed to score only eight points in 25 minutes of play. His shooting was particularly lackluster, hitting 0-for-3 from beyond the arc. In contrast, Shamet made a significant impact on the game, contributing 15 points in 28 minutes.
“Landry had hit a couple shots. We needed to score,” Brown remarked. “It wasn’t about Mikal not doing anything; we were looking to score points, and Landry was the one making shots.”
Consistency Issues: A Pattern?
This incident marks a broader trend for Bridges, who has found himself benched in crucial moments in previous games, including victories against the Sixers and the Lakers earlier this month.
Tanking Discussions Heat Up
The ongoing debate over tanking in the NBA has gained traction, particularly following comments from Commissioner Adam Silver, who stated that it has become more pronounced this season than in recent years. He mentioned that he is considering "every possible remedy" to address this issue.
Coach Brown added his thoughts on how to combat tanking:
“Definitely trying to make somebody fight for it at the end of the season. Whether you have a small tournament before the playoffs or something like that to ensure the team with the worst record doesn’t automatically get the best odds—that may change it a little bit.”
Recent fines against the Utah Jazz and the Indiana Pacers underscore the league’s efforts to curb tanking behaviors, with the teams penalized for resting healthy players.
The Knicks’ Position
Despite the conversation surrounding tanking, Brown’s Knicks aren’t part of that narrative. His teams have historically avoided the label, though he recognizes that the trend has spiraled out of control.
Injury Updates: OG Anunoby Returns
Another highlight from the game was the return of OG Anunoby, who missed the last four games before the All-Star break due to a toenail avulsion. He managed to score eight points in 32 minutes.
Anunoby, despite dealing with post-surgery pain, stepped back in to help mitigate the defensive void left against star players like Cade Cunningham.
Social Media Tensions
In off-court news, agent Rich Kleiman—who represents star Kevin Durant—made headlines with a social media post targeting Knicks owner James Dolan. He reacted to news that Madison Square Garden Sports is contemplating separating the Knicks and Rangers into distinct entities.
Kleiman remarked, “No thanks unless the owner was gone,” reflecting the discontent towards Dolan’s ownership.
Conclusion
As the Knicks navigate this challenging season, they find themselves grappling with player performance, tactical decisions, and the larger conversations around tanking. While certain players like Bridges experience ups and downs, the team’s focus remains on breaking through and competing effectively in the league.
For more coverage on the New York Knicks, explore the latest updates on their official team site.
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