Mikal Bridges delivered a Christmas Day performance to remember, showcasing his offensive versatility and clutch instincts in the New York Knicks’ comeback win against the San Antonio Spurs. Bridges’ ability to seize the moment was exemplified late in the third quarter when he fought for an offensive rebound, converted a tough jumper through contact, and tied the game with a free throw, igniting the Madison Square Garden crowd.
Bridges was unstoppable in the fourth quarter, dropping 15 points and sealing the game with a pair of decisive jumpers. His 41-point explosion marked a career milestone as a Knick, highlighting his offensive efficiency. In December, Bridges led the NBA in effective field-goal percentage (65.7%) among high-volume shooters, demonstrating his growth as an elite scoring option.
This dominant stretch cements Bridges’ role as a cornerstone for the Knicks, providing both consistency and star power in key moments. Fans will undoubtedly look to this Christmas Day performance as a defining moment in his burgeoning career in New York.
Mikal Bridges’ Christmas Day heroics provided a much-needed boost to his debut season with the New York Knicks, balancing an uneven start that had some fans and analysts questioning the steep price the team paid to acquire him. The Knicks’ blockbuster deal sent five first-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets—a historic outlay for a player who has yet to make an All-Star team—placing immense pressure on Bridges to perform.
Josh Hart, a longtime friend and former Villanova teammate, stood firmly in Bridges’ corner, seeing his Christmas performance as proof of the star’s ability to rise to the occasion. “We knew it was a matter of time before he found ‘it,'” Hart said, calling for critics to acknowledge Bridges’ effort and skill.
Bridges’ early struggles stemmed partly from his offseason decision to rework his jump shot, aiming to bring it closer to his college form. While the adjustment initially led to rough shooting stretches—highlighted by a 2-for-18 preseason performance from deep—it also underscored his commitment to long-term improvement. Bridges’ shot mechanics now feature a higher wrist release, a change supported by data showing a four-inch increase in wrist height on catch-and-shoot 3s, the NBA’s third-largest leap among high-volume shooters.
Despite a rocky preseason and season opener, Bridges’ resilience has started to shine through, with standout performances like his Christmas Day showcase proving he has the potential to justify the Knicks’ investment. As he prepares for his return to Brooklyn, the narrative is still unfolding, but his evolution as a player signals brighter days ahead for the Knicks and their fans.
