Mikal Bridges has quickly become the New York Knicks' most crucial rotation player.
The star forward has made an immediate impact since ariving in New York back in the 2024 offseason has added much-needed offensive life to the Knicks.
Bridges has flourished under Knicks head coach Mike Brown, who has implemented a high-octane offense that has propelled the Knicks to second in the Eastern Conference with a 20-8 record. There's one statistic, in particular, that highlights not only how valuable he has been for the Knicks this season, but also puts him in elite company with two other superstars.
Mikal Bridges on Historical Pace
"Bridges is one of 29 NBA players — and the only Knick — averaging at least five transition points per game. Among that group, he's been the most efficient, posting a 78.1 effective field-goal percentage in transition, a metric that gives added weight to made three-pointers, New York Daily News Knicks Beat Writer, Kristian Winfield, wrote. "If it holds, Bridges would have the highest effective field goal percentage (eFG%) in transition since the NBA began tracking transition stats in the 2015-16 season. The mark is currently held by 2016 LeBron James (75.7 eFG%) with Kevin Durant (75.3 eFG%) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (73.6% eFG) in close seconds in 2025."
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So far this season, Mikal Bridges is averaging 17.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists on 52.9% shooting. He has been effective in transition, finishing at an astounding 67%, which puts him at fourth best in the league, only behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, Paolo Banchero, and Franz Wagner for the Orlando Magic.
As a team, the Knicks have gotten going late, winning five of their last seven and, notably winning the Emirates NBA Cup, defeating the San Antonio Spurs. They remain one of the better offensive clubs in the league, ranking 2nd in offensive rating.
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