Knicks Out-Tough Orlando

Only two players are averaging more than 20 points while shooting above 55% from the field and above 40% from 3PT range in December: Nikola Jokic and Mikal Bridges.

Final Score: Knicks 100 - Magic 91
Record: 16-10

The Knicks-Magic matchup tipped off at 6:00 pm on Sunday, so I was flipping back and forth between that game while watching the Buffalo Bills whip my Lions in Detroit.

Sometimes, it was difficult to tell which contest was more physical, the NBA or the NFL action, as Orlando is one of the most rough-and-rugged teams in the modern NBA. As for the Knicks, having been forced to swallow a humiliating loss to Atlanta and sit on it for three days, they were quite cantankerous.

In a game that featured plenty of shoving, snarling and yapping, New York overcame a sloppy first half (in which they had nearly as many turnovers as assists) and showed plenty of fight to secure a much-needed road win.

As we've come to expect, all five Knicks starters played well and made significant contributions across the board. Jalen Brunson was brilliant. Karl-Anthony Towns was dominant. But we'll start today's newsletter by applauding Mikal Bridges' effort and efficiency. No, he didn't have as many points as Cap or nearly as many boards as KAT, but Bridges was arguably New York's MVP despite a seemingly underwhelming stat line (17 points, one rebound and one assist).

When the Knicks made the controversial trade for Mikal, they were not expecting him to be an offensive focal point or a rebounding machine. They gave up a ton of draft capital with the complete understanding they were acquiring a role player, a complementary piece to a large puzzle. But that meant he needed to be a star in his particular role.

Early this season, as he adjusted to his new role on his new team, Bridges was far from exceptional on both ends, and it seemed to be wearing on him and the club. However, after hitting a low point in a one-point win over a depleted Hornets team in late November, Bridges rediscovered his mojo.

In the seven games the Knicks have played in December, Bridges is averaging 21.1 points, three assists and three made three-pointers per game while shooting 56.6% from the floor and 42% from behind the arc.

The only other player in the NBA averaging more than 20 points while shooting north of 55% from the field and above 40% from three-point territory this month is some guy named Nikola Jokic.

Just as importantly, Bridges has been much more impactful and impressive as a point-of-attack defender. The 3-and-D wing's defensive abilities were on full display in Sunday's victory over the Magic.