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 Player $150 Million
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
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