Mikal Bridges Quietly Proving Tom Thibodeau’s Harshest Critics Were Right
One of the biggest storylines of the New York Knicks early season success under Mike Brown is how dramatically different the team looks compared to the Tom Thibodeau era. The rotation patterns, offensive flow, and player workload are all noticeably changed. No shift has been more revealing than how Mikal Bridges is thriving under a new system.
Bridges’ resurgence is becoming proof that many of the concerns about Thibodeau’s heavy minutes and rigid usage patterns were justified.
Mikal Bridges Is Thriving Under the Reduced Workload
Last season, Bridges logged a career-high 37.0 minutes per game. He admitted publicly that it was “not fun on the body,” and the numbers supported his frustration. It was his lowest scoring average since 2021-22 and his worst three point percentage since his rookie year.
Even Josh Hart, who prides himself on high energy play, openly discussed fatigue under Thibodeau’s rotation patterns.
With Mike Brown now in charge, Bridges has seen his workload drop by nearly three minutes per game. Knicks Film School projects he will log 184 fewer minutes this season, which is the equivalent of about four and a half fewer games.
The reduced strain has brought out the best version of him.
A More Efficient, More Complete Bridges
Bridges is delivering some of the best all around production of his career. So far he is averaging:
- 16.5 points
- 4.6 rebounds
- 4.3 assists
- 2.0 steals
- 1.0 blocks
- 53 percent shooting from the field
- 41.3 percent shooting from three
- 62.3 percent effective field goal percentage
The improvement is not limited to basic stats. His advanced metrics have taken a major jump compared to last season.
| Metric | 2024-25 (Thibodeau) | 2025-26 (Brown) |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive Rating | 118.4 | 122.4 |
| Net Rating | 5.6 | 8.9 |
| Plus Minus | +4.1 | +6.0 |
Bridges is playing more efficiently and making a greater impact on both ends of the floor.
Mike Brown’s System Has Unlocked Bridges
There are several reasons for the Knicks strong start, but Bridges’ transformation is one of the biggest. Brown’s system has given him more rest, more structure, and more opportunities to play to his strengths. The difference in his comfort and confidence is obvious.
While the Knicks as a whole have benefited from the coaching change, no player has gained more individually than Mikal Bridges. His improved play is a direct reflection of adjustments the coaching staff has made, and it validates many of the concerns players had under Thibodeau.
For Bridges, this looks like the beginning of his most complete NBA season.
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