Mikal Bridges Responds to Pistons Fans’ Harsh Treatment of Brunson

DETROIT — Mikal Bridges expressed his thoughts on the treatment Jalen Brunson has been receiving from Pistons fans during their playoff series. Following the Knicks‘ Game 3 loss on Thursday night at Little Caesars Arena, Bridges mentioned that the persistent booing and insults directed at Brunson do not affect him.

“That’s nothing,” Bridges said after practice on Saturday. “Words ain’t gonna hurt him. That’s wasting their breath or just to get the crowd going. But that don’t bother him at all.” Despite the hostile atmosphere, Brunson delivered a strong performance, finishing the game with 30 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds.

Brunson did not participate in the Saturday practice session due to illness, but Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau indicated that he expects Brunson to return for Game 4 on Sunday. In earlier playoff games, he has averaged eight points and 17 rebounds over a total of 54 minutes in the series.

Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff provided an update on his player Isaiah Stewart, stating he is day-to-day. “He’s been working, getting better every day,” Bickerstaff said, though he could not confirm Stewart’s availability for Game 4.

Thibodeau adjusted his lineup during Game 3, keeping his starting players on the court for 31 minutes, an increase from previous games. “The game tells you what to do,” Thibodeau said. “You’re trying to find a rhythm in the game with units… Each possession matters.”

The Knicks’ focus now shifts to Game 4, after a disappointing loss that snapped the Pistons’ 15-game playoff losing streak. “When you’re winning, everything’s easy,” Josh Hart said after the game. “After a loss, you see the true character of a team. It’s the playoffs. The series is 1-1.” Hart emphasized the importance of regrouping for the next game.

The competitive atmosphere intensifies as the series continues, and both teams are eager to assert their dominance.