Mikal Bridges Draws on 2021 Finals Experience as Knicks Face Spurs in 2026 Championship

Mikal Bridges is channeling his past experiences from the 2021 NBA Finals to bolster his performance in the ongoing 2026 Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. During the 2021 series, the Phoenix Suns were tantalizingly close to claiming the championship, only to be thwarted by Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, who ultimately took the title.

Bridges was part of that Suns team, serving as a vital 3-and-D player alongside stars Devin Booker and Chris Paul. Despite their strong playoff run, the Suns fell short, a defeat that has lingered with Bridges throughout his subsequent stints with the Brooklyn Nets and now the New York Knicks.

As the Knicks inch closer to their first title in over 50 years, Bridges is determined not to let past disappointments cloud his focus. "I think just being here before, knowing how it's going to be. Just a lot of experience, knowing how much effort you need to give every single moment," he stated following Game 2 of the Finals.

With the Knicks now just two wins away from the championship, Bridges and his teammates are maintaining a grounded mindset heading into Game 3, adopting the mentality that the series stands at 0-0. The Knicks are eager to continue their push for glory, fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead.