Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
The NBA playoffs showcased an intense moment as Mikal Bridges had to temper his enthusiasm following the New York Knicks’ thrilling 116-113 victory over the Detroit Pistons. The win secured the Knicks a spot in the second round of the postseaso.
Post-Game Reaction
Bridges was still riding high on the exhilaration of the win when he donned the interview headset.
Mike Breen, the MSG broadcaster, began by inquiring about the team’s discussions when they were trailing with under three minutes remaining. Bridges confidently responded, his passion overtaking his language.
Right after the Knicks eliminated the Pistons, Mike Breen interviewed Mikal Bridges.
Bridges: We built for this. That’s all it is.
Breen: Now watch your –.
Bridges: Sorry. Sorry. But we built for it. That’s all it was.
The broadcaster stepped in to remind Bridges of appropriate language, but the player quickly corrected himself. “Sorry, sorry, but we built for it. That’s all it was. We stayed with it, stayed positive, and just stayed fighting. That’s all I know. That’s all we know,” Bridges explained.
The Game-Winning Play
The Knicks’ victory was sealed when Jalen Brunson drained a crucial three-pointer with just 4.3 seconds left on the clock, breaking a 113-113 deadlock. Brunson led the scoring with 40 points, shooting 15-of-33 from the field.
Bridges contributed significantly with 25 points, shooting 11-for-16, and a key tip-in with under a minute left that set the stage for Brunson’s game-winning shot.
Brunson’s Heroics
With the score at 113-111 in the Pistons’ favor, Brunson’s miss set up Bridges for a game-saving move. Positioned under the basket, Bridges tipped in the rebound to tie the game at 113-113 with 35.6 seconds remaining.
Teammate Praise
Josh Hart took to social media to applaud Bridges’ performance. “Mikal is a bad man,” Hart posted on X.
The Knicks are set to face off against the Boston Celtics. The rivalling teams will meet on Monday, marking their first post-season confrontation in over a decade.
Historical Significance
This matchup represents the first time since 2013 that these Eastern Conference rivals will collide in the playoffs.
Additionally, it is the first time since 1984 that both teams will play against each other in the playoffs after the initial round
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