Legendary announcer Mike Breen records unique ‘bang bang’ call after Mikal Bridges’ game winner

Mikal Bridges had to rise up to the occasion for the New York Knicks playing without leading scorer Jalen Brunson.

Legendary announcer Mike Breen records unique ‘bang bang’ call after Mikal Bridges’ game winner

Mikal Bridges' OT game winner

The New York Knicks started the season with a lot of optimism. That optimism came about after the incredible offseason they had netting Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns via trades. With just a few games left in the regular season, they look like they are NBA title contenders.

However, their 5-5 record post the All-Star break was not something that befits a championship contending team. Those five losses came against playoff contenders, and some believed the Knicks were not ready to win it all.

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With most of those games on the road, it was tough to eke out wins without the usually loud New York fans at Madison Square Garden. They did win against the Sacramento Kings, but knew they were about to face a Portland Trail Blazers squad that wanted to get back to last month’s winning ways.

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Playing without leading scorer Jalen Brunson was not going to be easy. The game did turn out to be tougher than expected as the Trail Blazers went toe-to-toe with the Knicks all throughout the game. At the end of regulation, they stood even.

In overtime, that even scoring continued as both sides brought out their best defensive schemes. With 3.4 seconds left, the Knicks had the ball in their hands knowing if they do not score, they will lose. After switching defensive assignments, Mikal Bridges received the ball.

He dribbled to his left and launched for a three despite having 7′ 2″ Donovan Clingan in his face. The ball went in, and ESPN’s Mike Breen let out ‘bang bang’. This was a rare occurrence where the veteran commentator let out a double bang, something that he reserves for the playoffs and do-or-die games.

OT game winner can set the tone

This game winner came about when many fans and those in the media have started questioning the New York Knicks’ ability to compete with the best of the East. The Cleveland Cavaliers are a cut above the rest and the Boston Celtics look like they can have another run at a title.

With both of them posing a major threat, the Knicks have to dig deep to elevate their game. All season long, it was either Karl-Anthony Towns or Jalen Brunson who led the scoring. But the franchise did send five 1st round picks to land Bridges.

His scoring has not necessarily taken over for the team yet. But this game-winner can set the tone for that situation to change. Teams have figured out how to slow KAT and Brunson. But those same opponents can struggle if Mikal Bridges comes into play.

After changing his shot mechanics this past offseason, members of the media were not convinced he can step up when necessary. It takes time for the player to become comfortable with that new way of scoring. With this game winner, it seems he is now getting the hang of it.

Mikal Bridges asks HC for reduced minutes

Last season, one of the major concerns fans and analysts had for the Knicks was fatigue. They were playing a lot of minutes, and it showed its ugly side when they could not hang in there in the playoffs. They did battle enough to make a statement, but against the good teams, that tactic will not work.

Cleveland and Boston have deep rosters. Which means, their players can keep their energy levels high when clutch situations appear. The same cannot be said for New York Knicks players, who under Tom Thibodeau, have played a lot. New York Post’s Stefan Bondy revealed what Bridges said before the game.

Sometimes it’s not fun on the body. But you want that as a coach and also talked to him a little bit knowing that we’ve got a good enough team where our bench guys can come in and we don’t need to play 48 [minutes], 47.

Mikal Bridges said

If the longtime HC does listen to him, the Knicks can reduce their fatigue as well as injuries. When playoffs come about, it is important that Thibodeau has all his players energized and healthy. Otherwise, losing all those draft picks will not make sense.