Mikal Bridges responds to critics with empathic performance in Knicks annihilation of Pelicans

Mikal Bridges responded quickly, positively and emphatically as the Knicks boat raced the shorthanded Pelicans at MSG. Bridges, facing increased criticism amid his early-season struggles, dropped 13 of his season-high 31 points in the opening quarter of Sunday’s 118-85 annihilation of New Orleans, a victory that included a double-digit Knicks lead for the final 43 minutes. Bridges started aggressive and the defense took care of the rest.The Knicks (12-8), who’ve won six of their last 8, held the Pelicans to just 28 points in the opening half, the fewest for a New York opponent since Nov.

of 2001 against the Warriors, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.  The terrible Pelicans never had an answer without the injured trio of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Herb Jones.They shot just 38 percent overall and an abysmal 14.8% percent on treys, with Dejounte Murray serving as the face of the misery while missing 12 of his 17 attempts.  It was the second game in a row the Knicks faced a depleted team – and the third straight their opponent was missing its best player. This time, the Knicks breezed.

Bridges was spry and aggressive, two days after Tom Thibodeau benched the guard in the fourth quarter of a tight victory in Charlotte.Bridges connected Sunday on 7 of 12 on 3-pointers – and shot 12 of 19 overall from the field – for his best performance since being acquired from Brooklyn for five first-round picks.   Sign up for Inside the Knicks by Stefan Bondy, a weekly exclusive on Sports+.

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Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Following Friday’s game, teammate Josh Hart assured Bridges would recover and said the team would make it a priority to get Bridges going.Then Bridges took seven shots in the opening 10 minutes and left the game for extended fourth-quarter g...