Mikal Bridges Extends Streak, Knicks Edge Raptors in Clutch Victory

TORONTO, Canada — Mikal Bridges made headlines this week as he appeared on the injury report for the first time this season, highlighting his remarkable durability in the NBA. Since turning pro in 2018, Bridges has played in 525 consecutive games, which ranks as the 11th-longest streak in league history. He sits just 12 games behind former Knicks coach Derek Fisher for the No. 10 spot.

“I think watching him when we first got him, it’s the work that he puts in year-round,” said Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau after the team secured their eighth win in nine games. “In the summer, the amount of time he spends in the gym, not only working on the floor but working on his body, I’m not surprised he’s got the streak that he does because it’s what he puts into it.”

This season, the 28-year-old Bridges has been averaging 18.2 points per game while logging a career-high 38.3 minutes, the most in the NBA. He is the only Knicks player to have participated in all 51 games leading up to Saturday’s highly anticipated matchup against the Boston Celtics.

Bridges, who was listed with ankle soreness, commented on the importance of preparation. “It’s the work. […] I think confidence comes from your preparation,” Thibodeau reflected on Bridges’ performance. “He prepares himself as well as anyone in the league.”

In the same game against the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, Karl-Anthony Towns demonstrated his prowess on the boards, recording 20 rebounds — his fifth game this season with at least that many. “You’re just setting a foundation,” said Towns, who ranks second in the league with an average of 13.6 rebounds per game. “Offensively, I just wanted to do everything that I can to help us score the ball.”

Jalen Brunson shone brightly in the win against Toronto, scoring 28 points and delivering crucial baskets in the final moments. Brunson’s late-game performance prompted a collective groan from the Canadian crowd when he drained a three-pointer with 25.8 seconds left on the clock. His ability to deliver in crunch time has earned him a reputation as the Knicks’ reliable closer.

“Confidence,” Brunson said of his clutch mentality. “Because if I fail, you learn from it. Very confident in situations, and it’s something I had to learn from a young age and not be afraid to fail.”

Thibodeau lauded Brunson’s skill set, saying, “His ability to get to the spots on the floor that he wants to get to, he’s not relying on strictly athleticism.” He added, “The confidence is a byproduct of his work.”

The Knicks managed to maintain their winning streak despite a challenging schedule, as they were on the second night of a back-to-back. They overcame a late-game surge from the Raptors, who narrowed a 23-point deficit but ultimately could not secure the victory. “They fought back,” Towns acknowledged of the Raptors. “They hit shots, too, when they had to hit shots, so credit to them. Shout-out to our team. Again, just finding a way to win and fighting through all the adversity.”

The latest victory brings the Knicks to 34-17 this season, firmly positioning them in playoff contention as they prepare for their matchup against the Celtics.