How Mikal Bridges’ Relentless Grit Became the Knicks’ Secret Weapon Against the Celtics in Game 1

Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals gave us a heart-stopper in Boston — and boy, did the Knicks make sure it ended with a bang. Down by three, just three seconds left on the clock in overtime, the Celtics seemed poised to send the game into another questionable rhythm. Instead, New York’s Mikal Bridges, with the poise of a seasoned NFL cornerback, intercepted a cross-court pass meant for Jaylen Brown, yanking the win right from Boston’s hands. Watching Bridges’ eyes lock onto his prey, you could almost see the gridiron instincts take over — a moment where toughness and instinct overpowered strategy. It was grit that wrote the final chapter here, a dogged refusal to fold when things looked bleak. I mean, the Knicks were staring down a 20-point deficit not long before, and yet resilience became their lifeblood — each possession a small victory in itself. This wasn’t just a steal; it was a testament to heart, hustle and a team refusing to let history dictate their story. For all the highlights and heroics, this moment is the true pulse of the series — raw, unfiltered and utterly compelling.LEARN MOREBut they found one in the huddle.Advertisement”It’s not about putting the team on my back,” said Brunson. “I have confidence in them, and they have confidence in me. We’re going to go out there, compete and find the best way to attack each possession.

“It’s not about putting the team on my back,” said Brunson. “I have confidence in them, and they have confidence in me. We’re going to go out there, compete and find the best way to attack each possession.

“It’s not about putting the team on my back,” said Brunson. “I have confidence in them, and they have confidence in me. We’re going to go out there, compete and find the best way to attack each possession.

“It’s not about putting the team on my back,” said Brunson. “I have confidence in them, and they have confidence in me. We’re going to go out there, compete and find the best way to attack each possession.

“It’s not about putting the team on my back,” said Brunson. “I have confidence in them, and they have confidence in me. We’re going to go out there, compete and find the best way to attack each possession.

“It’s not about putting the team on my back,” said Brunson. “I have confidence in them, and they have confidence in me. We’re going to go out there, compete and find the best way to attack each possession.

“It’s not about putting the team on my back,” said Brunson. “I have confidence in them, and they have confidence in me. We’re going to go out there, compete and find the best way to attack each possession.

Knicks wing Mikal Bridges rips the ball from Celtics counterpart Jaylen Brown to steal Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)AdvertisementAdvertisement