Knicks Bulletin: “Think about averages.” Everything evens out

The New York Knicks unexpectedly lost a game against the struggling Utah Jazz a few days ago, but that wasn’t the case in Sunday’s game against another hapless team, the New Orleans Pelicans. They defeated the Carnivalesque Squad 118-85, giving them no chance.

For the first time since Nov. 18, New York hosted an NBA game, and the Knickerbockers’ appearance resembled a contest nearly two weeks ago when the Knicks defeated the Wizards 134-106.

Here’s what coach Tom Thibodeau and some Knicks had to say after giving the visiting Pels a straight L.

Tom Thibodeau

On the Mikal Bridges explosion against New Orleans:

“The thing is, we all tend to judge someone by whether the ball goes in. I felt like he played an all-round game. He made cuts, made a couple of easy baskets, he made seven 3s, I thought he shot good 3s, and that is – you have to do what you always do.

“You’re an all-round player and that’s what makes him who he is. So I felt like the guys put together a good offense. He kept moving. He was hard to guard and I think easy baskets helped.

“I think his defense was really, really good. So a lot of good things come from that.”

On Mikal Bridges struggling to find his offensive rhythm ahead of Sunday:

“The thing is, the game tells you what to do. That’s it. If you’re open, shoot it. I think on moves off the ball he was always a great cutter, he was always good in transition. And then the corners, which he has shot extremely well throughout his career. So just take good shots.

“It will work out. He’s still averaging nearly 16 points per game. Just help the team win. That’s the bottom line.”

To respect the Pelicans in a terrible season:

“(New Orleans) still has Murray, (CJ) McCollum, (Trey) Murphy. A great offensive rebounding team. And I always say it: You can’t come here without being a great player. From one to 18 they are all great players.

“Must be ready.”

Mikal Bridges

On his problems on offense related to adapting to new teammates:

“It’s a new team. That’s pretty much it.

“I’ve never played with such great offensive talent like (Karl-Anthony Towns). I’ve never dealt with a big who jumps to the 3-pointer so often.

“We just had to get used to it and it’s just going to take time.”

When he was recovering from his break from shooting:

“Just because I liked the shots I took. And then (I play in) a new team. That’s pretty much it.

On his groundbreaking performance on Sunday:

“It was just my teammates and coaches who picked me up and told me to stay confident. My teammates just found me.”

On Josh Hart’s comments that no one is worried about Bridges’ downturn:

“Josh is my guy. I think he knows me.

“My whole life is surrounded by basketball. Everything I do – at home, on days off – is just to be ready for our games. So I don’t really stumble.”

On being a Knick and playing home games at Madison Square Garden:

“I love it here…I love playing in this gym.”

Josh Hart

On his huge Washington commanders Cap:

“I saw this hat, I just put it on.

“Small, medium, large and it said ‘JB.’ So I thought, ‘Woah, what size is that!?'”

On Mikal Bridges’ strong performance against the Pelicans:

“We didn’t call his number because the plays were too focused on him. It’s just his energy.

“He knocked down his shots. He made shots. A few times the ball was deflected right where it was and the ball found energy.

“It was good for him to come out and play like that.”

On supporting Mikal Bridges through ups and downs:

“That’s our guy. We trust him. We trust him to make the shots. Midranges, turnarounds… We want him to be aggressive.

“This is the Mikal we know and the season will have peaks and valleys, ups and downs. Therefore, don’t panic.

“Think about averages. Everything balances out. So if you have a bad 10 game spell or a 15 game spell, get a really good 15 game spell. That’s why you never worry about it during the season.”

On the team’s defensive performance against the Pelicans:

“We communicated. I think we played physically. Don’t let guys get into the rhythm. I think that’s something we kind of struggled with because we kept guys in check early. We let them get into a rhythm.”

On his relationship with former teammates in New Orleans:

“I have a lot of respect for the guys there, this team, this city.”

Jalen Brunson

On Mikal Bridges’ performance against the Pelicans:

“It was urgently needed. And most importantly: it led to a win.

“The way he played was confident and it was fluid. I love watching it.”

On the importance of the NBA Cup:

“You have guys on the team who might be on a one-year deal, a double deal or whatever. And you can go out there and try to win for them (so they can get the $500,000 prize), and that means a lot.

“So I’m not going to think about, ‘What benefits does this give me?’ I think about what benefit this will have for the team.”

On whether he said anything to Mikal Bridges before Sunday’s outing to help him:

“No, I didn’t say a word to him.”

On Josh Hart’s losing bet and their rivalry:

“We (the Eagles) will bust your ass! You still owe me $100. Where’s my money!?”

Karl Anthony cities

On Mikal Bridges’ performance against the Pelicans:

“Special. He was special tonight.

“I just played with a lot of confidence. I shot the ball well. Brought his prey on with his celebrations and stuff. Just a great night watching him hit shots like that.”

On Bridges’ importance to the team:

“He brings so much energy to that locker room. He’s a big part of the chemistry here.”