Quick Read
- Mikal Bridges scored a season-high 35 points for the Knicks against the Celtics.
- Bridges hit 8-of-12 threes and was crucial in the Knicks’ fourth quarter comeback attempt.
- Jalen Brunson struggled, scoring only 15 points on poor shooting.
- Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla praised Bridges’ competitive spirit during the tense matchup.
- Despite Bridges’ performance, the Knicks lost 123-117, dropping to 13-7 for the season.
On a brisk December night at TD Garden, Mikal Bridges reminded NBA fans why he was one of the most sought-after talents last season. With the New York Knicks trailing the Boston Celtics and Jalen Brunson struggling to find his shot, Bridges nearly engineered a comeback that would have resonated far beyond the scoreboard.
Brunson, the Knicks’ star guard, couldn’t get it going on Tuesday. His stat line—15 points on 6-of-21 shooting, only one three-pointer made—spoke volumes about his off night. The Celtics, on the other hand, surged after a slow start, outscoring the Knicks by 29 points over the second and third quarters. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, New York’s hopes seemed faint.
But then, Mikal Bridges took center stage. The forward, who arrived in New York last year after the team traded away five first-round picks to get him, poured in 17 of his season-high 35 points in the final period. He was relentless—attacking off the dribble, knocking down threes (he finished 8-of-12 from deep), and igniting a spark that brought the Knicks within three points late in the game.
Bridges’ fourth quarter wasn’t just about scoring. It was about presence. With each basket, he grew more vocal, even exchanging words with the Celtics’ bench. The tension on the court was palpable, a throwback to the playoff battles these teams have shared. Boston coach Joe Mazzulla, far from annoyed, welcomed the intensity. “I don’t mind that stuff. I like it. It’s part of the game. Keeps me going and I thought the guys handled it well,” Mazzulla told reporters, acknowledging that Bridges’ competitive fire was simply part of basketball’s psychological warfare.
Statistically, Bridges was a force: 35 points on 12-of-17 shooting, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. His performance outshone even his own averages—he’s been putting up 16.1 points per game this season, down from his Brooklyn Nets peak, but moments like Tuesday’s show flashes of the player the Knicks paid dearly for.
Yet, basketball is a team sport, and the Celtics had answers. Jaylen Brown torched the Knicks’ defense for 42 points, while Derrick White chipped in 22. Boston’s depth proved critical, especially with Jordan Walsh stepping up in the fourth quarter. The Celtics ultimately prevailed, 123-117, improving their record to 12-9 while the Knicks slipped to 13-7.
Knicks coach Mike Brown didn’t dwell on Brunson’s off night. “He’s gotta keep shooting ’em and he’s gotta keep getting to his spots,” Brown said. “He got to his spots and took good threes, they just didn’t go in. That happens sometimes.” Instead, he credited Bridges for nearly willing the team back into contention: “He was feeling it and he was aggressive and I thought our guys did a good job trying to find him, and he hit some big shots for us.”
The aftermath of the game focused not only on the box score, but on the emotional charge of Bridges’ performance. His willingness to challenge Boston’s bench, his visible leadership on the floor, and his ability to take over a game when the chips were down—all these elements fed new optimism among Knicks fans, who have been waiting for Bridges to fully justify the blockbuster trade that brought him to Manhattan.
Bridges himself kept it respectful in his postgame interview, lauding Mazzulla’s coaching and acknowledging Boston’s depth, even with injuries. “They still got coach Mazzulla and I think he’s a hell of a coach. They got guys that are gonna play hard, smart, a lot of talent. I know they got guys banged up or not here, but they got next man up.”
The Knicks now face a quick turnaround, hosting the Charlotte Hornets in the second half of a back-to-back. The question on everyone’s mind: Can Bridges carry this momentum forward, or was this just a flash of brilliance amid a challenging season?
There’s no doubting the pressure on Bridges since his arrival. After averaging 17.6 points in his first season with the Knicks, fans expected him to be the offensive engine he was in Brooklyn. While his numbers this year have dipped, Tuesday’s explosion—his best scoring night yet as a Knick—could signal a shift, both in his role and in the team’s fortunes.
As the Knicks navigate the grind of the NBA season, performances like Bridges’ against Boston serve as a reminder of what’s possible when talent meets tenacity. His ability to take over games, lead vocally and emotionally, and deliver under pressure may yet define New York’s campaign, especially if he can string together more nights like this one.
For the Celtics, meanwhile, the win provides validation for their resilience and depth. Brown’s scoring, White’s steady play, and the bench’s composure under fire all suggest Boston remains a contender—no matter who tries to get in their heads.
Mikal Bridges’ performance against the Celtics was more than a statistical outlier—it was a statement. With his season-best scoring, fiery leadership, and willingness to embrace the spotlight, Bridges showed that his story with the Knicks is still being written. If he can build on this momentum, New York’s investment may yet pay off in ways that matter most: wins, and the belief that this team can compete with anyone.