Mikal Bridges and Miles McBride delivered strong point-of-attack defense as Tyrese Maxey struggled in Game 1 for the Knicks.
A big question for the Knicks in Game 1 was simple: who could slow down Tyrese Maxey’s burst and constant movement.
The answer started with Mikal Bridges, who was pulled into the responsibility of guarding the point of attack.. Josh Hart had handled CJ McCollum late in the first round against Atlanta, and OG Anunoby is often used against an opponent’s primary scoring threat, but Maxey’s quickness did not neatly fit those matchups.. When Bridges went to the bench, Miles McBride took over, and the change didn’t leave the Knicks scrambling.
Misryoum notes that the Knicks’ approach mattered because Maxey’s game is built on starts and resets. If he gets the rhythm early, the entire offense can follow him.
Bridges and McBride both kept Maxey under control for long stretches.. Hart, speaking after practice, described how athletic defenders with length can stay with a player who can turn transition into offense and damage defenses off handoffs and ball screens.. Maxey ended Game 1 with 13 points on 3-for-9 shooting and missed all three of his 3-point attempts.. The Knicks were also able to limit those attempts in key matchups, with none of his made field goals coming directly against either Bridges or McBride.
Maxey also had his share of problems. He committed four turnovers, which was his lowest point total since Jan. 26. Meanwhile, the Knicks pointed to a collective defensive readiness that included having help ready, not just one-on-one coverage.
Misryoum insight: this is where a defensive plan becomes a series advantage. Even when one matchup is the headline, the ability to bring a second defender quickly can swing possessions.
The Knicks often emphasized physicality, especially when Philadelphia tried to get Maxey going in pick-and-roll situations.. Still, there was one clear area the Knicks would like to tighten: Maxey got to the free-throw line more than they would have preferred, taking seven attempts and making them all.. At the same time, his offensive tempo had visible gaps.. There were long stretches where he didn’t look as assertive, including a delayed first made field goal that came midway through the second quarter.
Coaches and players expect that picture to change.. Mike Brown said the team understands Maxey will be more aggressive in Game 2, meaning the Knicks have to stay as alert as they were and handle the point of attack even better.. Brown also pointed out the reality of guarding Maxey: he can score at different levels, move so well for his size, and keep coming back for the ball if he gives it up.
Misryoum insight: that combination of movement and scoring makes every possession feel like it requires multiple efforts. The Knicks’ best chance is not only winning the first contact, but sustaining the coverage after.
Philadelphia, too, is expected to adjust, trying to create fresh ways to get Maxey involved and up to speed.. If Maxey’s Game 1 struggles repeat, the 76ers will be fighting uphill.. But with Bridges and McBride giving the Knicks answers at the point of attack, the series could hinge on whether the Knicks can keep that defensive standard steady.