On Thursday night, the New York Knicks played the Hawks at State Farm Arena in Atlanta for Game 3 of their first-round playoff series.
The Knicks lost by a score of 109-108.
Mikal Bridges had a shockingly poor performance, finishing with zero points, one rebound and two assists while shooting 0/3 from the field in 21 minutes of playing time.
SNY’s Ian Begley wrote: “Knicks got nothing on that last possession – ended with Jalen Brunson under duress, up in the air, trying to get the ball to Josh Hart. Turnover. Have to wonder if Miles McBride starts Game 4 in place of Mikal Bridges. Game changed with McBride (15 pts, 5-for-10 from 3).”
Knicks Still Owe Struggling Player $150 Million
GettyNickeil Alexander-Walker #7 of the Atlanta Hawks drives against Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks during the third quarter at State Farm Arena on April 06, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
With Bridges having such a bad game, it’s worth noting that the Knicks still owe the former Villanova star $150 million.
ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote (on July 31, 2025): “New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges has agreed to a four-year, $150 million contract extension with the franchise, agents Sam Goldfeder and Jordan Gertler of Excel Sports Management tell ESPN. The new deal includes a player option for 2029-30 and a trade kicker.”
Bridges has scored just 21 points through the first three games of the series.
Jake Weinbach wrote: “Mikal Bridges has been absent this series. 0 points, 21 total minutes, and the Knicks didn’t play him much down the stretch in Game 3. Bridges’ low impact has been a major concern for New York.”
0 points, 21 total minutes, and the Knicks didn’t play him much down the stretch in Game 3. Bridges’ low impact has been a major concern for New York.
Bridges’ NBA Career
GettyHead coach Mike Brown talks to Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on March 22, 2026 in New York City.
Bridges was the 10th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
He spent the first four and a half seasons of his career playing for the Phoenix Suns, helping them reach the 2021 NBA Finals.
The 29-year-old then had a brief stint with the Brooklyn Nets before a trade sent him to the Knicks.
NetsDaily wrote: “Nets traded Bridges for 5 firsts, a first swap etc. He was supposed to be key piece for Knicks. He scored 0 points in big loss. Nets traded CamJ for a first and a younger player who averaged 25 ppg. He was supposed to be key piece for Nuggets. He scored 6 points in big loss.”
Nets traded CamJ for a first and a younger player who averaged 25 ppg. He was supposed to be key piece for Nuggets. He scored 6 points in big loss.
Looking Ahead For New York
The Knicks and Hawks will now play Game 4 back at State Farm Arena on Saturday.
They will then head to Madison Square Garden for Game 5 on Tuesday night.
Another loss for the Knicks would put them in a 3-1 hole.
New York Knicks Still Owe Struggling NBA Player $150 Million