Veteran forward Mikal Bridges played a huge role in the New York Knicks ending the franchise's 53-year NBA championship drought last season. 

He averaged 13.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists over 19 playoff games, shooting 55.9 percent from the field and notching 1 steal in 32 minutes per tilt. 

The Knicks' 4-1 Finals victory over the San Antonio Spurs brought a sigh of relief not only from the fans but also from the roster, filled with players who have spent their entire careers chasing the ultimate high of winning a ring.

However, Bridges claims that the triumph hasn't changed his attitude toward the game or how he approaches it. 

"I'm just focused on every year, trying to be the best player and teammate I can be to help the team," he said. "Our goal every year is to be the best team we can be, and that's really it.

"I don't think it's a one-year thing. I think it's honestly trying to keep evolving and trying to be the best player and teammate as I can until I'm done playing." 

Bridges being the same guy he has made a successful career as is great news for the Knicks. 

A lanky, athletic forward, he is what many teams would call a 'glue guy' on both ends of the floor. 

Bridges earns his money as an excellent defender who can match up with the opposing team's best player on any given night. He has sharp instincts and a knack for stealing the ball. His reliability at the other end makes him an X-factor. 

Entering the ninth year of his career, the Knicks can't afford a drop-off in his production—especially if they want a chance to repeat as champions. 

At the end of the day, preseason wins and losses don't mean much. However, they're not meaningless either. 

The Knicks are 0-2 after their first two games, losing to the Philadelphia 76ers and the Washington Wizards earlier this week. 

The new-look Sixers beat the Knicks 120-97 on Monday. Bridges posted a modest line of three points (1-for-5 FG), three rebounds, and three assists in 15 minutes. 

In their first Madison Square Garden outing of the year, New York fell to the rebuilt Wizards 111-109. 

And while the manner of defeat looked better, Bridges' outing offered some cause for mild concern. He chipped in two points (1-for-6 FG), one rebound, three assists, and one block in 20 minutes. 

On the one hand, it's good to get shooting woes out of the way before games begin to matter. On the flip side, shooting a combined 2-for-11 from the field over two games signals a semi-slump the Knicks hope won't last much longer. 

Beyond his defensive prowess, Bridges' efficiency is another calling card. He doesn't need many looks to make an impact on offense. Bridges' rhythm on that end of the floor is worth monitoring when the Knicks return to preseason action at MSG against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. 

His words show he's motivated enough to figure it out.