Mikal Bridges’ experience of 2-0 NBA Finals lead that went all wrong breeds simple Knicks advice

Mikal Bridges has been in this exact same position before — five years ago.

His Suns thought they were on their way to a championship, leading the Bucks 2-0 in the NBA Finals.

Then, everything went wrong. They didn’t win again.

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“It’s always going to stick with you,” the two-way wing recalled Sunday, on the eve of the first Finals games at the Garden in 27 years.

The only difference is that the Knicks are up 2-0 going home, one of three road teams to ever take the first two games of the Finals, along with the 1993 Bulls and 1995 Rockets. But Bridges knows this series isn’t over. He’s seen how quickly things can change.

In 2023, he joined current (and former) teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart on their podcast, “The Roommates Show,” and shared his memories.

“We over here like, man, it’s light. It’s the East. … They ran up four straight, I just couldn’t believe it,” Bridges said.

Mikal Bridges (25) drives to the basket during the game against Julian Champagnie (30) during Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 5, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images

Bridges is having a terrific postseason, averaging 14.6 points, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals and an even 38 percent shooting from 3-point range.

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In Game 2, he came up big, finishing with 20 points, six assists and six rebounds.

Mikal Bridges defends Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks during Game 5 of the 2021 NBA Finals on July 17 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NBAE via Getty Images

He has spoken to his teammates about his own Finals experience, about not letting their foot off the gas.

“Same situation, up 2-0, and I’ve got to be able to talk to these guys and just keep [them] levelheaded and just keep playing desperate,” he said after Friday night’s win over the Spurs.

On Sunday, he added: “[My teammates] all know, too, and they all understand as well, knowing the series is far from over. Got to keep playing desperate and be the more desperate team.”

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this run is that the Knicks have not gotten overconfident.

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They have set a franchise record with 13 consecutive…

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Publish date : 2026-06-08 04:08:00

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