In a thrilling encounter, the New York Knicks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 130-125, featuring a dramatic moment involving forward Mikal Bridges. During the game, Bridges sustained an accidental elbow to the face, leaving him bloodied but undeterred.
Mikal Bridges Injured but Resilient
The collision occurred in the fourth quarter, with 8:21 left on the clock and the Pelicans leading 106-103. As Trey Murphy III drove to the basket, Bridges was defending when he was inadvertently struck by Murphy’s elbow following a defensive play involving Tyler Kolek and OG Anunoby. Bridges immediately collapsed to the floor, blood evident from his mouth.
Despite this gruesome injury, Bridges demonstrated remarkable resilience. After receiving medical attention on the sidelines, he returned to the game shortly thereafter. This incident showcased Bridges’ reputation as one of the toughest players in the NBA.
A Streak of Durability
Since entering the league in 2018, Mikal Bridges has not missed a single game, extending his consecutive appearances to 587—making him the active leader in the league. This streak also places him among the top 15 players for consecutive games played in NBA history.
Bridges’ durability is a key trait, as head coach Mike Brown often counts on him for significant playing time. His teammate Jalen Brunson recently praised him, describing Bridges as a “psychopath” when it comes to his dedication and work ethic.
Impact on the Game
The injury occurred at a pivotal moment as the Knicks were mounting a comeback. Bridges’ quick return invigorated his teammates, contributing to New York’s fourth-quarter rally. Brunson led the scoring with 28 points and 10 assists, while Anunoby added 23 points and 11 rebounds, despite his involvement in the collision with Bridges. Though Bridges had modest individual stats, his presence was crucial in the victory.
Team Performance and Future Challenges
With this win, the Knicks improved their season record to 23-9, extending their winning streak to three consecutive games. The team acquired Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets this past summer in exchange for five first-round picks, significantly banking on his two-way abilities and resilience.
So far this season, Bridges has averaged 16.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while logging approximately 38.3 minutes per game. His availability has been particularly vital as the Knicks manage an array of injuries among other players in their rotation.
Looking ahead, New York will continue their three-game road trip, facing the San Antonio Spurs next. Bridges aims to maintain his impressive ironman streak as the team navigates a demanding schedule with 14 games in 24 days as December transitions into January.
