Mikal Bridges spoke on Tuesday, June 2, as the New York Knicks prepared for Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, reflecting on reaching the league’s biggest stage and the path that led there. The forward centered his comments on gratitude, consistency, and team dynamics during the media session.

When asked about seeing the Finals stage, Bridges described the moment in simple terms. “I’m just extremely grateful. Extremely blessed and grateful. That’s pretty much it. Really surreal. And yeah, just blessed to be here, honestly.” The veteran forward emphasized appreciation rather than reflection on pressure or expectations.

He also highlighted the impact of Jose Alvarado on the team’s communication and energy throughout the season. “Yeah, I think just his energy off the jump when he first got here. Just his energy on and off the court. And I think especially in timeouts where it’s really grown a lot. In key moments where we need a voice, and he kind of just, he’s telling us to keep getting through, keep battling, or sometimes waking us up if we’re starting off sloppy or something like that. But he’s been very key for us.”

Bridges addressed personal confidence during difficult stretches in recent years, pointing to his support system. “I just think I always had great people around. That’s pretty much it when it comes to coaches or teammates. That’s really pretty much just having great people around me and just trying to always just get better at whatever it is. Just some basketball, trying to get better, but having people around me all the time.”

He also spoke about handling outside criticism and expectations during the playoff run. “Just not really worry about the outside. That’s pretty always been me for a while. Just worrying about what I’m doing and my team. And figuring out, sometimes it’s tough for the outside to fully understand what’s going on. And you can’t feed in too much. Just stay who you are, stay levelheaded, and just keep working.”

On the team’s adjustment under head coach Mike Brown, Bridges pointed to a shared learning process. “Just I think it’s just having a new coach. Things are new. It’s going to take a little minute to understand and gravitate to. But I think as the season went on to the playoffs now, I think we just kind of, I think it’s same thing as coach figuring this out as well. He’s come to a new team. I know he has what he wants and has everything laid out when he accepted the job and everything. But sometimes you kind of got to be around your players, be around, see the habits of guys and see what they’re more comfortable with. And I think it’s him personally growing and just kind of understanding us. Because it’s going to take time for us with him and him with us. And it’s been great.”

Bridges also acknowledged the presence of Knicks legends in the arena environment and reflected on returning to the Finals stage. “I appreciate the love from the OGs and them just being at every game and them being in the atmosphere and just loving it and being a fan and knowing that they’re being a part of the culture.” He added, “Just grateful to be here again. It’s not easy to be here. It’s a lot of work, a lot of tough times. It’s just a blessing. It’s tough to get here once, but to be here a second time, just blessed honestly.”

Looking ahead to the matchup with San Antonio, Bridges credited the opponent’s structure and competitiveness. “Really well coached team, really talented team. You could tell how together they are. But yeah, they with all that, they ready to go out there and fight. They’re going to battle… And I feel like we do the same. So just excited.”