NEW YORK — Three games into the Eastern Conference finals, the New York Knicks are getting exactly what they paid for in Mikal Bridges. The swingman has totaled 59 points while shooting 71.1 percent from the field against the Cleveland Cavaliers and has spent extended minutes guarding James Harden.
Bridges added 22 points on 11-for-15 shooting in Saturday’s victory, maintaining a postseason run that has validated the Knicks’ mid-season blockbuster. “The expectations don’t matter. That’s for y’all to talk about,” teammate Josh Hart said. “He’s repeatedly come through, especially on defense late in games.”
Head coach Mike Brown also leaned on veteran guard Landry Shamet, who logged a playoff-high 28 minutes Saturday. Shamet scored 14 points and buried three fourth-quarter three-pointers that helped seal the win. “Landry was huge,” Brown said. “You’re not gonna stop Donovan Mitchell, but you’ve got to work your tail off. Landry’s trying to work.”
Barnes Brings Perspective to Spurs’ West Finals Push
SAN ANTONIO — The Spurs trail the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder 2-1 in the Western Conference finals, and veteran forward Harrison Barnes is drawing on past experience to keep the young roster on track. Barnes was part of the 2015 Golden State Warriors team that overcame a 2-1 deficit to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.
“Look, however many games the series goes, are we going to play to our standard when we look back at those games?” Barnes told The Athletic. With rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama leading the way, San Antonio still has time to shift the series, but Barnes emphasized that urgency has already set in.
Sixers Hope to Fill Top Executive Seat Before Picking No. 22
PHILADELPHIA — The 76ers own the 22nd selection in next month’s NBA Draft, yet their most significant offseason move could happen in the boardroom. According to PhillyVoice, consultant Bob Myers said the organization “would ideally like to have” a new lead basketball executive in place before draft night, while stressing the franchise will “take as much time as required to get the best person.”
On the court, Philadelphia is focused on adding a prospect ready to contribute immediately, mindful of multiple max contracts on the payroll and ongoing injury concerns for Joel Embiid. Mock drafts have linked the Sixers to Allen Graves (Santa Clara), Dailyn Swain (Texas) and 7-foot-3 Italian center Luigi Suigo, all considered capable of providing early rotation minutes. As reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer, bolstering depth is viewed as critical to extending the club’s current championship window.
Source: Hoops Wire
