New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown said he would not hesitate to sit Mikal Bridges if the team’s medical staff recommended it, acknowledging the veteran wing’s recent struggles despite his NBA-leading streak of 625 consecutive games played.
“If our performance group says this guy needs a rest … 100 percent, I’ll give anybody a game,” Brown told reporters. “But we all have to play better than the way we’re playing right now, especially to start games.”
Bridges’ production and playing time slide
The 29-year-old has averaged 6.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 blocks on .320/.208/.667 shooting over his past six appearances, logging just 26.0 minutes per contest. He had topped 31 minutes in 39 of his first 43 games this season; over the last 26, he has been held to 30 or fewer minutes 16 times.
During Sunday’s comeback win over the short-handed Golden State Warriors, Brown benched Bridges for the final seven minutes, turning instead to Landry Shamet. Jordan Clarkson has also closed two of the past three games over Bridges. Both reserves are on minimum-salary deals, while New York signed Bridges to a four-year, $150 million extension after surrendering five first-round picks for him in 2024.
Brown not planning lineup changes—yet
Despite slow starts in recent outings, Brown said he is not ready to alter his starting five. The Knicks trailed Golden State by 21 points in the first quarter before rallying for a three-point victory. “Right now I don’t feel the need to,” the coach said. “It’s not too late to do anything … If I feel the need, I will.”
Brunson listed as questionable
All-Star guard Jalen Brunson is questionable for Tuesday’s game against Indiana with right ankle injury management and a neck strain. New York is 1-4 without its captain this season. The Pacers have lost 13 straight and could be without several rotation players, though they have battled the Knicks closely after knocking them out of last year’s Eastern Conference finals.
Clarkson stays ready
Clarkson, who scored 14 points in 22 minutes on Sunday, said consistent preparation kept him ready while he was outside the rotation. “I’ve been doing the same thing my whole career,” the veteran noted. “The work’s been solid and consistent, and I just let the cards fall where they may.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
