In late-June, the Brooklyn Nets offered their in-state rivals the opportunity to acquire a dynamic, All-Star-caliber swingman; in November, during their introduction to the NBA Cup, they followed it up by offering them all they could handle. Yet, with victory, and the all-time head-to-head series edge on the line, it poetically only took a play from No. 25 to remind them of the one New York bridge they couldn’t quite cross. Requiring a finishing touch — or swat, rather — on what some considered his best game in a Knicks uniform to date, Mikal Bridges squares himself to the opportunity, working a full sprint and backpedal to monitor Dennis Schröder’s potentially-heroic whereabouts. Flawless in matching Schröder’s verve on an in-and-out dribble, Bridges, through his well-revered wingspan, extends into a game-sealing block, sending The Mecca into a jovial celebration. Bridges’ play helped New York take a one-win lead in the 215th game of the storied Knicks-Nets rivalry, and a 2-0 record in East Group A. Extraordinary throughout, Bridges contributed 22 points (on 9-of-17), five rebounds, four assists, one steal, one block, and four 3-pointers on November 15, 2024. · Nov 16, 2024