Mikal Bridges is struggling with his early-season slump for the Knicks

New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges is averaging 6.2 points per game through the early stretch of the 2026–27 NBA season, shooting 33.3 percent from the field and 29.2 percent from 3-point range across six appearances. The Knicks have two victories in six games while searching for the offensive rhythm that defined their prior campaign.

Mike Brown Adjusts the Rotation Against Chicago

Knicks coach Mike Brown left Bridges on the bench for the second half of a game against the Chicago Bulls, limiting the player to just three minutes of playing time after intermission. Brown turned instead to a combination of Jalen Brunson and Tyler Kolek, supplementing their minutes with Jordan Clarkson and Landry Shamet. Following the contest, Brown explained that the decision stemmed from the effectiveness of the Brunson-Kolek pairing and the strong play of his other reserves. We had found a combination, Brown said. If we add the minutes of Clarkson and the fact that Shamet played well, then it didn’t leave any room.

Mikal Bridges Assesses His Early Season Struggles

Bridges acknowledged his individual slump after a recent 12-point performance against the Bulls where he shot 62 percent from the floor. We must improve, Bridges said, noting the difficulty of translating the team’s high-water mark from June 2026 to the opening weeks of the regular season schedule. We should be much better, myself first. It takes time, and we must not skip steps. During the 2025–26 season, Bridges averaged 14.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 49 percent overall and 37.1 percent from distance. His current production has dipped to 2.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists per night in 27.4 minutes per contest.

Rebuilding Collective Chemistry in New York

Brown compared the challenge to climbing a mountain, noting that once at the top, one must descend, rest, and climb another. While New York’s situation is not yet alarming with only two victories in six games, the cohesion that carried the roster through 2025/26 remains absent on the floor. Bridges played a central role in that movement-heavy offensive system, utilizing his shooting and transition skills before his current shooting regression altered his role in the rotation.

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