Mikal Bridges has faced overwhelming criticism in his first season on the New York Knicks, with the most common gripe revolving around his performance in big games. Although fans still want to see him take care of business against the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers, they should be fairly pleased following his strong showing versus the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night.

The two-way wing has left his mark in Little Caesars Arena, scoring 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting (at time of print) in Game 6 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs. He showed just how dialed-in he was for this tense clash during the third quarter. Following an OG Anunoby block, Bridges broke loose on the fast break. Cade Cunningham stayed with him, but the 28-year-old did not veer off course.

Bridges unloaded a monster dunk on the Pistons All-Star to stretch the Knicks lead to 13. “Oh, that's a man's jam!,” TNT play-by-play broadcaster Ian Eagle exclaimed, via ClutchPoints. The player himself was amped up after the thunderous throwdown.

Article Continues Below
More New York Knicks News
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) in the fourth quarter during game five of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
The key Jalen Brunson stat that set up Knicks’ Game 5 win vs. PacersRichard Pereira ·
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) in the fourth quarter during game five of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Knicks’ Jalen Brunson draws ‘phenomenal’ admission after Game 5Quinn Allen ·
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) looks on in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game five of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Stephen A. Smith’s completely hopeless take on potential Knicks-Thunder Finals clashZachary Weinberger ·
Landry Shamet, Delon Wright, and Precious Achiuwa
Knicks bench is key to forcing Game 7 in East Final vs. PacersDrew Maresca ·
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts in the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game five of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Knicks fans turn it up to 100 with another NSFW viral MSG videoJaren Kawada ·
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts after a three point shot against the Indiana Pacers in the first quarter during game five of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Bill Simmons drops Lakers conspiracy theory to give Knicks fans hopeJulian Ojeda ·

Things unraveling for Knicks in fourth quarter

The postseason poster put the momentum firmly in New York's control, but the Pistons roared back in the fourth quarter. Just as the tenacious squad has done for most of the series, it is giving the Knickerbockers all they can handle. Detroit went on a 13-0 run to take the lead midway through the final frame, sending the home crowd into delirium. Head coach Tom Thibodeau needs his guys to step up in crunch time.

Beyond Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges must answer the call. He has had a productive campaign overall, recording 17.6 points on 50 percent shooting in 37.0 minutes per contest, but occasions like these are why the Knicks traded five first-round draft picks for him in the offseason.

If New York does not wake up quick, a momentous Game 7 awaits the squad on Saturday. Does Bridges have another fierce jam in his arsenal? If he does, this is the time to pull it out.