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OG and Bridges Flourishing in Increased Roles

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Og Anunoby and Mikal Bridges have been leveling up their play.

The New York Knicks have handled the short-term injury to All-Star Jalen Brunson surprisingly well recently. Winners of four of their last five games to clinch a playoff spot and likely lock in the third seed. This recent hot run is mainly due to the terrific form of wings OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. Both OG and Bridges are flourishing in their increased role while Brunson’s been out with an ankle sprain.

Over his last 10 games, Bridges has averaged 22.9 points per game and shot a robust 53.8% from the field. Meanwhile, Anunoby might be in the offensive form of his career, averaging a very impressive 23.9 points over his last 10. Combined with Karl-Anthony Towns‘s All-Star season, things are coming together nicely for the Knicks. Allowing Brunson to get 100% for the playoffs without rushing him is a job well done for the Knicks. Watching OG and Bridges flourish in their increased roles has to give their coach food for thought in the playoffs once Brunson returns.

OG and Bridges Flourishing in Increased Roles

A Look At OG’s All-Star Caliber Form

New York’s recent win over Portland exemplifies OG at his very best. He makes the game look very easy with his uncanny ability to jump the passing lanes, force steals, and get easy layups in transition. OG constantly moves, so he quickly finds himself open in the perimeter to knock down threes whilst clamping down shooters at the other end.

This led to a very efficient 28 points against Portland. He’s been in majestic form lately, averaging 30.5 points per game in his four games. Furthermore, during this stretch, he’s had robust splits of 59% from the field, 42% from three, and 100% from the line. This included 10-15 from the corner three.

Anunoby is playing at an All-Star level, earning him Eastern Conference Player of the Week nomination. If that wasn’t enough, how about 4.8 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game over that span? He’s been a demon on both ends of the court. It starts with his defense; his length makes him a nightmare for opponents. Few are better at forcing steals and setting up points from turnovers.

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When Brunson returns, he won’t be expected to put up 30 points a game like now. Also, his usage rate will go back down significantly. However, showing himself and his teammates the heights he can reach within the offense with an increased role can only benefit the Knicks in the playoffs and moving forward. An aggressive OG makes him extremely difficult to defend. This has been one of his clear improvements of late, using his size to drive to the basket. Plus, his defense continues to be elite, which must be scary for any team.

Mikal Bridges is Thriving

The second part of this dynamic duo, Bridges, has been in imperious form, starting with his dramatic buzzer-beating three to beat Portland. Seemingly, the naysayers’ concerns were premature. Bridges’ game has taken off with an increased role, and his recent form has been more worthy of the trade cost.

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It’s apparent that he’s far more aggressive as the primary playmaker since Brunson went down. He’s facilitating at a high level, with 21 assists in his last three games, plus averaging five assists over his last ten games. Combine that with his mid-range torrid scoring, and he’s been invaluable lately. Over his previous three games, Bridges is shooting a frighteningly efficient 71.4% on mid-range jumpers. His mid-range success has always been his bread and butter, but that’s even gone on to new heights with increased usage.

He’s also been providing lockdown defense lately, indicating that his increased responsibility on offense has helped his aggressiveness on defense. The best example was his game against Washington last week. He provided three steals and a block to go with his 27 points and four assists. Mikal’s also driving to the lane and getting to the free-throw line far more. For example, there was a three-game stretch before Brunson’s injury when he failed to get to the line at all. However, he’s 14-16 from the line over his last six games.

His durability continues to be vital, as he has never missed a game. Considering coach Thibodeau’s strenuous minutes and notorious short rotations, this is no small feat. The key is for this duo to maintain their aggressiveness once their captain and star, Brunson, returns. It’s fundamental to their success in the playoffs. Attacking the basket and not deferring are key aspects in particular.

Photo credit: © Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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