Josh Hart came to Mikal Bridges' defense as Mikal Bridges struggled with shooting issues during the New York Knicks' 2025-26 campaign.
Bridges is going through the eighth season of his NBA career, his second with the Knicks. This campaign has been different for the star wing as he is taking fewer shots per game. Since the All-Star break, entering Sunday's win over the Washington Wizards, he was averaging just 10.4 points on 40.6 percent shooting and 31.3 percent from downtown.
Hart spoke to the New York Post about Bridges' effectiveness on the court this season. He supports his star teammate, believing in his ability to persevere and continue to make big plays in big games.
"He's doing what he's asked. And I've said this before - when you're a guy who's been [with the Brooklyn Nets] When you're the No. 1 guy and he's calling those plays for you,'' Hart said.
"Last year, there weren't many plays called for him. This year, there's probably even less plays called for him. So obviously there's a mental hurdle that he has to overcome and that's something where some of us can help him. I think he gets some unfair criticism because he's doing what he's asked. And if we sit there and say, shoot 15 shots a game, he'll be efficient and he can do that. But that's not the case. Asked him."
Josh Hart, what's next for the Knicks
Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges know it will take a lot to lead the Knicks to success, especially when they are competing for a title.
New York has a 47–25 record on the season and is in third place in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors, while trailing the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons.
With six consecutive wins, the Knicks will continue to prepare for their next match at home. They will host the New Orleans Pelicans as tip-off takes place on March 24 at 7:30 pm ET.
