Mikal Bridges showcased his defensive prowess in the recent game between the New York Knicks and the Toronto Raptors. The Knicks secured a dominant 116-94 victory at Madison Square Garden, largely thanks to Bridges’ performance against Brandon Ingram.
Mikal Bridges vs. Brandon Ingram
Bridges was tasked with defending Ingram, who has been a standout player for the Raptors this season. Ingram entered the game averaging 21.9 points per game but struggled against Bridges, scoring only 14 points on 4-for-11 shooting. This marked one of the few games in which Ingram failed to reach his scoring average.
- Brandon Ingram’s points: 14
- Field Goals made by Ingram: 4
- Turnovers by Ingram: 5
- Ingram’s plus/minus rating: -22
Knicks’ Defensive Strategy
Head Coach Mike Brown praised Bridges’ effort, highlighting the difficulty of guarding a talent like Ingram. “Mikal was at the point of attack against Ingram, and he did a hell of a job,” Brown stated. Bridges stepped up defensively, especially in the absence of OG Anunoby, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury.
During this current streak of four consecutive wins, Bridges has been more consistent. He has recorded nine steals and six blocks, contributing significantly to the Knicks’ defensive success. “Just trying to do whatever to help my team win,” Bridges commented.
Overall Team Defense
Bridges’ defense has been instrumental in the Knicks’ overall improvement. The team held the Raptors to 94 points, underscoring their defensive capabilities. Brown emphasized the importance of their physical play without fouling, especially while transitioning back to defense.
This victory not only reflects the Knicks’ capabilities on defense but also showcases Mikal Bridges’ role in keeping opponents from dominating the game. His consistent performance sets the tone for his teammates, reinforcing the importance of team defense in their recent success.
