During a victory over the Bulls, the coaching staff benched Mikal Bridges as he was enduring the worst start of his career. That’s the headline, not a promo code.
On Oct. 28, 2026, Jalen Brunson scored 38 points in an attempt to save the season against the Bulls, but one player can’t repair a broken system. A 111-97 triumph over the Pistons on Oct. 27, 2026, featured Karl-Anthony Towns collecting 20 rebounds, proving the team is capable of winning despite ongoing inconsistency. The New York Post reported that Bridges’ struggles are the primary reason for the uneven start and that the team needs to address them before the season spirals out of control.
The Bench Decision Speaks Volumes
Putting a star player on the bench during a win is a clear signal that the coach has lost patience. Mikal Bridges was benched during the Knicks’ victory against the Bulls, underscoring the severity of his slump. This is not a minor issue; it is a career-defining moment for a player who was expected to be a cornerstone of the franchise. If a player cannot earn his spot in the starting lineup during a victory, the situation is dire.
Compare this to Jalen Brunson’s performance on Oct. 28, 2026. He scored 38 points against the Bulls, proving he is still the engine of this offense. The contrast between the two stars is stark. One is carrying the team with 38 points, while the other is sitting on the bench. The team cannot win a championship with such a wide gap in production between its top players.
The Pistons Win Offers Little Comfort
Although the 111-97 victory over the Pistons on Oct. 27, 2026, appears favorable on the surface, the specifics are crucial. Karl-Anthony Towns grabbed 20 rebounds in that game, showing his dominance on the glass. However, a 14-point win against a struggling Pistons team does not erase the concerns about the team’s overall identity. The start has been uneven at best, and a single win does not fix the underlying issues.
The Knicks need to find a way to get Bridges back on track, or they will continue to struggle. The benching was a necessary step, but it is only the beginning. The team must find a solution that works for everyone, not just the stars. If they cannot figure this out, the season could turn into a long disappointment for the fans in New York.
The Knicks need to focus on the court. The win over the Pistons and the 38-point game by Brunson are the only things that matter right now.
