On Monday, Michael Bridges host single mothers and their families in the Garden. As Bridges’ guest, the family had special access to the Knicks‘ pregame warmups of the night. They watched the Knicks beat Toronto in a private box.
Bridges had 14 points and five assists in the win. But it seems the time she spent with her mother’s family alone on Monday meant more to Bridges than anything that happened on the court.
“I grew up with a single mother (Bridges was raised by her mother, Tyneeha Rivers) so I know how much those mothers go through,” Bridges said. “And I don’t even know the (full) amount because there’s something my mom did that I probably don’t know to this day…. So it’s good to be in this position to give back and show them maybe not everyone sees (mothers’ sacrifice), but I see it and let them know we appreciate it.”
Bridges meets families through the Garden of Dreams Foundation’s Adopt-A-Family Program. In addition to a night at the Garden, Bridges gave moms and their families 55 gifts, covering their entire holiday list.
“It’s an amazing thing to be able to be in a position to do that,” he said.
Two days after delivering holiday cheer to those families, Bridges gave 19,000 Knicks fans a gift they’ll never forget.
He scored 41 important points New York’s Christmas Day win on Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. Bridges’ scoring kept the Knicks in a game where his teammates missed 23-of-30 threes. He scored or assisted on 13 points in the final seven minutes to help New York erase an eight-point deficit.
“It’s important, man. You chose a hell of a day to do it,” Karl-Anthony cities said Bridges. “Super proud of him.”
Bridges’ big day landed him in the Knicks’ record books. He now has the franchise’s third-highest scoring average on Christmas Day. He’s also making a strong case for the Eastern Conference Conference of the month.
Entering Wednesday’s game, Bridges was averaging 21 points on 56 percent shooting (44 percent from 3) in Dec.
His play this month was a stark contrast to his first five weeks as a Knick. He averaged 15.5 points but shot 30 percent from beyond the arc (six attempts per game). Bridges’ initial commitment led some fans and the media to question the Knicks’ decision to send five first-round picks to Brooklyn to acquire it.
Josh Hart not question the trade. He always – and confidently – told fans and the media that Bridges would be fine.
“That’s my brother. I know what you can do. I know what you’re thinking,” Hart said when asked why he’s confident Bridges will turn things around. “People have to realize that not one player in this league has a great game for all 82 games. There are peaks and valleys in this league. There will be high points, there will be low points – that’s why you always try to stay even-keeled.
“He’s the guy who did that. You put in the work. When you see someone who puts in the work and knows what they are capable of, you know what character they have. We know, we know it’s only a matter of time before we see it. Now you see and you won’t say anything. Get some apology forms out. I will get them in the next game and give him his flowers because he is playing well. Let the flowers scream like hate.”
Tom Thibodeau he does not have to fill out a waiver form. If the head coach is concerned about Bridges’ early season performance (certainly there are some Knick people who are worried about him), Thibodeau hasn’t made it clear.
“They say slow and steady wins the race, and that’s what it is,” Thibodeau said Wednesday. “If you look at his whole career, he just keeps getting better and better and better. What is he? It’s hard to put him in a box because he does everything. You can run the floor in transition. He lives very well without the ball. He knows how to create opportunities. You can put it in the lift and roll. He is wise. There are so many intangibles that bring to the team. It is creating great opportunities for us. “
MAN’S GAME
Wednesday was another example of the Knicks’ depth. Along with Jalen Brunson Missing shots (7-for-23, 0-for-5 from three) and Towns in trouble, it was Bridges who brought the Knicks home. The city has carried the Knicks on other nights. Brunson, of course, has put the team on his shoulders (see the win in New Orleans earlier this month).
But compared to last year’s team, this Knick roster doesn’t have to rely as much on Brunson’s nightly scoring.
“When he goes out there, more often than not, he’ll give us 25 well, at least. When that happens, it’s all good,” Hart said of Brunson. “But when we’re able to score winners when we don’t play well, it shows the depth of this team. For him, he didn’t care. His first plan was to win and he was happy with that. “
ALL HART
Speaking of Hart, he was excellent against San Antonio. He had 12 points, 12 rebounds (six offensive) and six assists. His effort – and offensive rebounds – in the last minute helped seal the win.
“You just go out and try to make a play. That property is the meaning of my job and why I’m here,” Hart said. “To make those powers, extra effort works.”
The Knicks are also promoted from AND Anunobyas he switched to Wembanyama midway through the fourth and held the young Spurs star out of charge the rest of the way.
“There’s only one guy like him,” Thibodeau said. “You can play him at point guard, you can play him on a team. And so that’s his gift. He’s got great anticipation. He’s got great love. to do. He’s got great feet, and he’s got length. And if he messes with him, he’s going to take advantage that’s very different.”
