<\/p>\n
After struggling offensively for much of the Knicks\u2019 first-round series against Atlanta, Mikal Bridges has suddenly found his rhythm at the perfect time for New York.<\/p>\n
Bridges scored 11 points or fewer in each of the first five games against the Hawks before breaking out with 24 points during the Knicks\u2019 massive 51-point victory in Game 6.<\/p>\n
His strong finish carried directly into the second round against Philadelphia.<\/p>\n
In Game 1 against the Sixers, Bridges delivered another highly efficient performance, finishing with 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting while adding five assists and posting a plus-19 rating in only 27 minutes.<\/p>\n
Beyond the scoring, Bridges also played a major role defensively by helping contain Philadelphia guard Tyrese Maxey throughout the game.<\/p>\n
Jalen Brunson emphasized how valuable Bridges has become to the Knicks\u2019 playoff success.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very important. He\u2019s a huge factor for us,\u201d Brunson told Zach Braziller of the New York Post. \u201cHe\u2019s been playing great.\u201d<\/p>\n
While Bridges has elevated his play, OG Anunoby has also been on a dominant stretch offensively.<\/p>\n
According to Braziller, Anunoby has shot an incredible 23-for-30 from the field and 8-for-11 from three-point range over the last three games.<\/p>\n
Brunson credited Anunoby\u2019s aggressiveness and decision-making as key reasons behind the recent offensive explosion.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think [it\u2019s] the way he\u2019s been able to create space, the way he\u2019s been attacking,\u201d Brunson said. \u201cThose things have been a key factor for him.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously, he\u2019s knocking down shot after shot. He\u2019s just playing real aggressive, really downhill. \u2026 He\u2019s creating havoc, and he\u2019s making good decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite the convincing Game 1 victory, Brunson does not expect Philadelphia to look the same moving forward in the series.<\/p>\n
The Knicks star anticipates a far more aggressive and prepared response from the Sixers in Game 2.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think we\u2019re going to see that team, from Game 1 to Game 2,\u201d Brunson said, per Vincent Goodwill of ESPN. \u201cThey\u2019ll be ready to go.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nKnicks Notes: Offensive Explosion, Bridges, Anunoby, Game 2, Jones https:\/\/t.co\/z8562dSQ2c<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 5, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n