Mikal Bridges steps up, Mitchell Robinson locks down Victor Wembanyama as NBA Finals momentum swings Knicks' way

SAN ANTONIO — A few notes from the Knicks‘ Game 2 win over the Spurs:

The Knicks still owe the Nets four first-round picks as part of the Mikal Bridges trade. They’ll send them over with a smile if Bridges continues to perform like he did on Friday night. The wing had 20 points on 13 shots while adding six rebounds and six assists to help the Knicks take a commanding 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals.

Bridges’ points came at some opportune moment as Knicks captain Jalen Brunson struggled with his shot. In the second and third quarters, Bridges hit all eight of his attempts for 20 points. Brunson was 2-for-8 with two turnovers in the same stretch.

All in all, Bridges is averaging more than 16 points per game on roughly 60 percent shooting during the Knicks’ 13-game winning streak. For the second straight season, Bridges has had big moments in the playoffs following a so-so regular season.

What is it that makes Bridges a playoff riser?

“Just that desperation,” Bridges said. “You know, that desperation of trying to be the last team standing and trying to do whatever it takes to help my team win. There’s nothing after June. You don’t play again until October. So just try to give it all that I got and do whatever it takes for this team.”

Thanks in part to Bridges, the Knicks are two wins away from their first NBA championship in 53 years.

ROBINSON ROLLS

Mitchell Robinson defended Victor Wembanyama late in Game 2 — and it worked out well. Mike Brown used Robinson on Wembanyama in the closing moments and Robinson delivered, helping to force Wembanyama into two missed shots.

“Wemby is, I said it before, iconic,” Brown said. “There is nobody like from. He can score from all three levels. He wants the ball. Two big possessions at the end of the game we put Mitch on him. What I’m proud about more than anything else, Mitch defended him the right way.

“Wemby is iconic. If he makes a shot, he makes a shot. You’re not blocking a shot. You make him work, you lead with your chest. You show your hands and you embrace those details while trying to guard him and then box out. It started with Mitch and it ended with the other four guys boxing out.

“So just a heck of a job by Mitch guarding the most iconic player in the world on two possessions to possibly win the game. Phenomenal.”

With two more wins, Brown will draw accurate comparisons to Joe Torre in 1996. A low-key manager takes over for an intense coach and gets results in Year 1.