Bridges had the final chance, a jumper at the buzzer that fell short. Asked about the final possession, he said, “Just missed it. Nothing wrong with it, just gotta make it next time,” and added that he “liked” the shot he got.
Bridges contributed 10 points on 3-for-10 shooting, a miss that amplified the weight of the loss as fans perceived his comment as too casual for a playoff go‑ahead moment.
The remarks sparked a wave of social media reaction from Knicks fans, with some criticizing Bridges’ tone and questioning his late-game decision-making.
The backlash underscored ongoing debates about Bridges’ role and production this season, with critics noting what they see as a regression offensively and in fourth-quarter moments.
The loss highlights broader concerns about late-game execution as New York could not seal the win despite an early cushion, leaving the series with a tense tone heading into the next game.
Looking ahead, the Knicks will need sharper late-game decisions and a clearer role for Bridges in high-leverage moments if they want to regain momentum in the series.