Knicks’ mid-series adjustments spotlight Bridges, Shamet, Anunoby and Towns
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NEW YORK — Mikal Bridges’ postseason production is reinforcing the Knicks’ decision to trade five first-round picks for him, a move that has been debated since it was made. The veteran forward poured in 22 points on 11-for-15 shooting Saturday, lifting his three-game totals against Cleveland to 59 points while posting a .711 field-goal percentage, .500 from beyond the arc and a perfect mark at the free-throw line. Bridges has also drawn the primary defensive assignment on James Harden.
“We wouldn’t be in this situation without him,” forward Josh Hart said. “How many games has he won for us because he got a stop down the stretch? That’s why we wanted him. That’s why he’s here.”
Shamet earns steady minutes
After opening the playoffs out of the rotation, Landry Shamet has established himself as a regular option for head coach Mike Brown. The wing logged 28 minutes Saturday—his postseason high—and scored 14 points, including three fourth-quarter three-pointers that helped secure the win. “Landry was huge,” Brown said, noting the veteran’s effort while guarding Donovan Mitchell.
Anunoby regains form
OG Anunoby, back from a hamstring injury that sidelined him in the second round, looked sharper in Game 3. The forward finished with 21 points on 6-of-10 shooting, seven rebounds and four assists. “Each day I started feeling better and better,” Anunoby said, crediting the medical staff and coaching group for the improvement.
Towns operates as facilitator
The Knicks returned to Karl-Anthony Towns as an offensive hub in Game 3 after the Cavaliers limited that look in the first two contests. Towns responded with seven assists—one more than his combined total from Games 1 and 2—while committing no turnovers and adding three steals. “He was really good for us offensively and defensively,” Brown said.
Source: Hoops Rumors
