The 2026 NBA Finals are finally here. The New York Knicks are back in the Finals for the first time since 1999, set to face the San Antonio Spurs in what is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated matchups in years.
For a fanbase that has waited this long, every little thing gets magnified going into Game 1.
Nicknamed “The Warden,” Mikal Bridges has built a reputation as one of basketball’s true iron men, rarely missing games and making himself one of the most dependable wings in the league. He has been a key piece in getting New York this far, and how he performs against the Spurs could go a long way in deciding this series.
Kristian Winfield’s Tweet About Mikal Bridges’ Shot
So when New York Daily News beat writer Kristian Winfield posted a video of Bridges warming up in San Antonio with the caption “Looks like a hitch in Mikal’s jumper,” people noticed. Knicks fans, already riding an emotional high going into Game 1, were quick to share their thoughts.
The thing is, Bridges himself acknowledged back in the 2024 preseason that he has been working on his shooting form for years, saying he picked up the hitch in his second NBA season and has been trying to fix it ever since.
It is not a new story. But posting it right before tip-off of the biggest game in 27 years for this franchise? That got people going.
Knicks Fans React to the Mikal Bridges Warmup Video
GettyKnicks Fans Blast Reporter Over Mikal Bridges Warmup Video Before NBA Finals
The responses came fast, and most of them were not kind to Winfield. Here is what fans had to say:
One fan pushed back hard on the concern, writing: “What the f**k is the matter with u this has been the same motion he’s don’t in practice for two years”
A user called out the reporter directly: “What a pathetic tweet. And you’re supposed to know ball lmaoooo my Lord”
One fan offered the clearest breakdown: “This is normal for his practice shots / shots with more time to act. His quick shots are normal.”
Someone who actually watched Bridges warm up in Cleveland backed that up: “I watched him warm up in Cleveland… it was the same… during the game it’s different”
Another fan kept it blunt: “Have you never watched him shoot. What kind of stupid post is this.”
One user questioned how a beat writer could miss something this basic: “How on earth are you a beat writer for the Knicks, and have no idea what his shot looks like? That’s not a ‘hitch’, that’s his normal motion.”
One fan was already thinking about the bigger picture: “right? this s**t is mad unnecessary. Now this shit is gonna end up on HoH, and its gonna get in Mikal’s head. This guys doing too much”
Someone was more direct about the timing: “Why would you write this? He always does this? Are you new?”
Another fan did not hold back: “How the f**k are you a Knicks beat writer? You’re literally ret**ded”
And one user kept it simple: “His jumper has literally looked like this for 2 seasons now lol”
The consensus from fans who actually follow this team is clear. This is just how Bridges shoots in practice. With the Knicks leaning on him as one of their key wing defenders against the Spurs, including potentially guarding Victor Wembanyama at times, his value in this series goes well beyond his jump shot anyway. Game 1 will tell us a lot more than a warmup clip ever could.
Mikal Bridges Sparks Concern Before Game 1 Vs Spurs, Knicks Fans Fire Back Strongly