Mikal Bridges’ Scoreless Game 3 Raises Knicks’ Playoff Stakes

In Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series, the New York Knicks fell 109-108 to the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Mikal Bridges logged 21 minutes without scoring—0-3 from the field, 0-2 from three-point range—while contributing one rebound, two assists and four turnovers. The loss left the series tied 2-1 in favor of Atlanta.

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Bridges, the 10th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, was acquired by New York in 2024 for five unprotected first-round picks and a pick-swap. In July 2025 he signed a four-year, $150 million extension that includes a player option for 2029-30. He posted 11 points in the Knicks’ Game 1 win and 10 points in Game 2 before the scoreless outing.

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• Mikal Bridges: 0 points, 0-3 FG, 0-2 3P, 1 REB, 2 AST, 4 TO, 21 MIN.

CBS Sports

• Josh Hart: 2 points, 1-9 FG, 0-4 3P, 9 REB, 6 AST, 0 TO.

New York Post

• Miles McBride (bench): 15 points on 5-10 shooting from three-point range.

New York Post

• Team totals: Knicks 108, Hawks 109; series 2-1 Knicks.

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Bridges acknowledged his role in the loss, stating he must “take it on the chin” and improve his contributions. Coach Mike Brown defended his decision to bench Bridges in the second half, noting that he acted according to the flow of the game and the combinations he felt were needed. The organization’s public record confirms Bridges’ $150 million contract extension, underscoring the financial expectations tied to his performance.

Sportskeeda

Social-media commentary expressed frustration, with fans labeling Bridges’ effort as “pure cardio” and questioning the value of the five first-round picks surrendered for him. Analysts highlighted the disparity between his contract and recent output, suggesting the Knicks risk falling into a 3-1 series deficit if production does not rebound.

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Josh Hart, a starter alongside Bridges, also struggled offensively, shooting 1-9 overall and missing all four three-point attempts. Hart emphasized his defensive focus on Hawks guard CJ McCollum, saying he “just tried to make it tough for him” and aimed to force difficult shots. The Knicks’ reliance on Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby intensified as scoring from Bridges and Hart waned.

New York Post

Sources differ on the primary cause of the loss: some attribute it to Bridges’ inefficiency, while others point to broader shooting woes and turnover spikes. The precise impact of benching Bridges on team chemistry remains unquantified.

Knicks’ Mikal Bridges takes full responsibility for embarrassing Game 3 goose egg vs. Hawks

The Knicks host Game 4 on Saturday at State Farm Arena, with the series poised to shift toward a potential 3-1 hole. A strong response from Bridges and the bench unit will be pivotal to avoiding a decisive deficit.

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• “There's no other way…it's a tough one, I've got to take it on the chin and handle it how I'm supposed to. It's going to suck, it is what it is. I've got to be better and help my team out there.” — Mikal Bridges, Knicks forward

Knicks’ Mikal Bridges takes full responsibility for embarrassing Game 3 goose egg vs. Hawks

• “Just a bad turnover day for me. Got to clean that up, it's on me.” — Mikal Bridges

Knicks’ Mikal Bridges takes full responsibility for embarrassing Game 3 goose egg vs. Hawks

• “The way the game was being played, and the different runs that we made, and the different combinations that I threw out there, I just went with what I felt the game called for at the time,” — Mike Brown, Knicks head coach

Sportskeeda

• “That was the biggest thing, just try to make it tough for him, force him into tough shots.” — Josh Hart, Knicks guard

New York Post

• “Knicks got nothing on that last possession – ended with Jalen Brunson under duress, up in the air, trying to get the ball to Josh Hart. Turnover. Have to wonder if Miles McBride starts Game 4 in place of Mikal Bridges. Game changed with McBride (15 pts, 5-for-10 from 3).” — Ian Begley, SNY analyst

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