Bridges Shines as Knicks Top Bucks in Key Win

MILWAUKEE — Mikal Bridges showcased his scoring prowess in the New York Knicks’ 116-107 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night at Fiserv Forum. With Jalen Brunson sidelined due to an ankle injury, Bridges stepped up, scoring 26 points, including 15 in a second-quarter display that propelled the Knicks to an unassailable lead.

Bridges, initially acquired by the Knicks to bolster their roster, proved invaluable as the primary scorer while also taking on ball-handling duties due to injuries to Miles McBride and Cam Payne. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau opted to start Delon Wright, leaving Bridges to lead playmaking responsibilities, a role he fulfilled with five assists.

“He’s not really a specialist. He’s an all-around player,” Thibodeau praised Bridges, highlighting his versatility. “He can go off the dribble. He can go pick-and-roll. He’s great in transition.” Bridges has averaged 21.6 points in the 11 games the team has played without Brunson.

Supporting Bridges’ effort, OG Anunoby scored a game-high 31 points, including 20 in the fourth quarter, effectively lifting the pressure off Bridges as the game progressed. “I always try to be aggressive,” Anunoby remarked after the game. “Just depending on situations, sometimes it comes or sometimes it doesn’t, but today, I was really aggressive.”

The win shored up the Knicks’ record against teams with a winning record to 12-18 this season and marked their first victory against a quality opponent since Brunson’s injury, improving their record to 6-5 in that span.

Despite missing star player Damian Lillard, who is out with deep vein thrombosis, the Bucks had notable talent on the court, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, who led Milwaukee in scoring with 30 points. However, Antetokounmpo’s efforts did not dominate the game as often seen. Mitchell Robinson, having returned from a foot injury, was instrumental in defending him, contributing 10 rebounds while focusing on rebounding over scoring.

Robinson acknowledged the importance of conditioning post-game, stating, “I did get a little winded the last two, three minutes in the first [half]. I need to work on that.” His presence helped the Knicks dominate the offensive glass, securing 14 offensive rebounds compared to the Bucks’ three.

Karl-Anthony Towns added 14 points for the Knicks, while Tyler Kolek had a respectable showing in limited minutes with five points and five assists. Josh Hart delivered yet another impactful performance, recording 13 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists.

“You can’t say enough about what OG, Mikal, and Josh did,” Thibodeau said, acknowledging the collective efforts. “It’s a good, solid team win.”