Mikal Bridges has been crucial defensively for the Knicks.
The New York Knicks have improved to a 2-0 lead over the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, but compared to Game 1's blowout victory, it was a much harder road to get there.
The 76ers jumped out to an early lead, but as the game went on, the Knicks' defensive effort steadily improved until they held the 76ers to just 12 points in the fourth quarter to facilitate a comeback victory.
The entire team brought their best defense by the end of the game, but there was one player that Knicks head coach Mike Brown wanted to highlight, especially considering he had the task of guarding Philadelphia's best player on the floor.
"If there's one player that I want to make sure I mention it's Mikal Bridges," Brown said (via SNY). "You're not stopping Tyrese Maxey... But, Mikal tried to make him work, especially in the second half, for every point he got. I think he ended up with seven in the second half."
Bridges Develops
While Bridges has been coming along offensively over the course of the playoffs, his defense has been a steadily solid aspect of his game. Without Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey was going to be the clear option for the 76ers to generate any kind of scoring and while he still finished with 26 points, Bridges shut him down throughout the game.
New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) drives past Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (1) during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Wendell Cruz-Imagn ImagesIf Maxey was still performing at his highest level late in the game, it's possible that the 76ers would have been able to hold on to their lead and even the series.
Bridges hasn't always been consistent in the postseason, especially for a player positioned to be as relied on as he is, but moments like Game 2 show exactly how much value that he has in all aspects of the game.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) controls the ball against New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) and center Mitchell Robinson (23) during the first quarter of game one of the eastern conference semifinal round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesThe Knicks Are Heating Up
Even with a 2-0 lead in the series, the Knicks will still need to be prepared for a strong response from the 76ers and they'll need the entire team to continue playing at their best, Bridges included.
Whether it's his lock down defense or crucial shot-making, there's countless ways that Bridges can make an impact on the game and he shows that more and more throughout the series.
New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) shoots over Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) in the second quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesThe Knicks are looking increasingly unstoppable and with the way they've been clicking across the roster, the 76ers will have to act fast if they want any chance of continuing to compete in the series.
If not, the Knicks' path through the playoffs will be even clearer.