Last July, the New York Knicks made a bold move, signaling their intent to compete for an NBA title. They traded four unprotected first-round picks and three players to acquire Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. The Knicks weren’t focused on the future; they wanted to win immediately. Knicks President Leon Rose’s belief in Bridges as a cornerstone player was clear. Fast forward to the present, and Bridges’ impact has been undeniable. Much like Bitcoin’s explosive rise in value between 2020 and 2021, the Knicks are seeing ‘Bitcoin’ returns on their Mikal Bridges investment.
Knicks Are Getting ‘Bitcoin’ Returns On Mikal Bridges Investment
Bitcoin’s Surge: A Parallel to the Knicks’ Bet
Between 2020 and 2021, Bitcoin saw an unprecedented surge, skyrocketing in value from around $5,000 to over $60,000. What began as a risky, speculative investment turned into one of the most talked-about financial events of the decade. Investors who believed in Bitcoin’s long-term potential were handsomely rewarded in a short period. The Knicks find themselves in a similar situation. Their gamble on Bridges, a shot-creating two-way player, is paying off in ways they had hoped for. Much like those early Bitcoin investors, the Knicks are witnessing their investment grow exponentially in value.
Mikal Bridges’ Impact on the Knicks
Bridges has already proven to be more than just a player in the Knicks’ lineup. On Wednesday night, he demonstrated his importance in a clutch performance against the Boston Celtics. With about three seconds remaining, Bridges made a game-winning steal from Celtics star Jayson Tatum, securing the Knicks’ 91-90 victory. Despite struggling with his shooting early in the game, Bridges scored all 14 of his points in the fourth quarter, helping the Knicks overcome a 20-point second-half deficit. This was no isolated incident. He also secured a critical steal in overtime in Game 1, leading to a 108-105 Knicks win.
Coach Tom Thibodeau’s Praise for Bridges
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau has been vocal in his admiration for Bridges’ demeanor. “He just keeps marching forward. He doesn’t get too high, he doesn’t get too low, but he’s a great competitor,” Thibodeau said. Bridges’ ability to stay composed and play both ends of the floor is invaluable. Even when his shots aren’t falling, Bridges finds ways to contribute, whether it’s with defense, passing, or pushing the ball in transition. This type of all-around play is exactly what the Knicks needed as they looked to make a serious playoff run.
A Team Effort: Not Just Bridges
While Bridges has been the standout performer, the Knicks’ victory in the Eastern Conference semifinals series against the Celtics wouldn’t be possible without the contributions of other players. Karl-Anthony Towns, who was also acquired in the offseason, posted 21 points and grabbed 17 rebounds in Game 2. Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson, Bridges’ former teammates at Villanova, scored 23 and 17 points, respectively. Mitchell Robinson provided valuable minutes off the bench, playing 22 minutes and finishing with a +19 rating. The Knicks are showing how multiple pieces can come together to help the team succeed.
The Knicks’ Confidence Moving Forward
As the series moves to Madison Square Garden for Game 3, the Knicks are in a strong position. Historically, road teams that win the first two games of a seven-game series have a high chance of advancing. The Celtics, for example, are 2-16 when trailing 2-0 in a series. The Knicks, on the other hand, have a solid 11-3 record after taking the first two games. Despite their history of playoff struggles, the team is building confidence after back-to-back road victories.
The Knicks’ current position is enviable, but they know not to take anything for granted. They have seen first-hand how quickly momentum can shift, as they experienced last season against the Indiana Pacers. Yet, after their recent comeback victories, the Knicks are well-positioned to continue their strong playoff push.
The Mikal Bridges Investment is Key to the Knicks’ Title Hopes
The acquisition of Bridges is proving to be a pivotal move for the Knicks’ title aspirations. With his defensive prowess and offensive versatility, Bridges is the player who can neutralize star players like Tatum and Jaylen Brown in the most crucial moments. His clutch performances in the playoffs are already becoming legendary. The Knicks’ front office must feel vindicated in their Mikal Bridges investment.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that Bridges’ success is not solely due to his individual efforts. The presence of Hart and OG Anunoby alongside Bridges has made a significant difference on the defensive end. Their combined strength and hustle allow Bridges to play a more strategic role, intercepting passing lanes and setting traps for opposing players. This trio of defensive-minded players has made the Knicks one of the tougher teams to break down in the playoffs.
The Knicks’ Future Looks Bright
As the Knicks continue to climb through the postseason, their investment in Mikal Bridges appears to be paying off in full. Much like Bitcoin’s surge from 2020 to 2021, the Knicks’ faith in Bridges is being rewarded with significant returns. While it’s still early in the playoffs, the Knicks’ strong play, fueled by Bridges’ defense and leadership, positions them as a serious contender. If they can continue their upward trajectory, this investment could help bring the Knicks their first championship in over half a century. With a roster that’s clicking and a solid foundation in place, the future looks brighter than we all thought for New York.
In the world of sports, as in finance, sometimes taking a gamble on the right player or asset can pay off exponentially.
© David Butler II-Imagn Images
The post Knicks Are Getting ‘Bitcoin’ Returns On Mikal Bridges Investment appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.