Knicks’ Mike Brown not ready to make bold move amid Mikal Bridges’ struggles

Knicks’ Mike Brown not ready to make bold move amid Mikal Bridges’ struggles appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Mikal Bridges has struggled to find his shooting touch early in the 2026-27 campaign after the New York Knicks clinched the championship last season. His struggles during the initial stretch of this season have now raised questions about whether head coach Mike Brown should consider changing the starting lineup. Bridges did not play in the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, Brown is not ready to make a major decision based on the forward’s early-season struggles. “Mikal has a proven track record of playing at a pretty high level as a starter in this league,” Brown said. “For me to make a ‘panic decision’ and change it right now, 10 games in or whatever we are, I’m not feeling it.” Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial) Brown also acknowledged that Landry Shamet and Deuce McBride have made it harder to distribute minutes across the rotation. Both guards have played well on offense and defense, giving the coaching staff more options. “Part of it is you have two guys that are playing really well in Landy and Deuce, so it’s gonna be hard to find minutes at times for Mikal, and maybe at times for Josh (Hart),” Brown said. “Because those two guys are playing at a pretty high level. Not just on the offensive side of the floor but defensively too.” Bridges is averaging 6.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 32.9% from the field and 26.5% from three-point range. He has also seen his playing time decline, averaging 20.8 minutes over his last five games compared with 25.1 minutes for the season. The Knicks have invested heavily in Bridges, including trading five first-round picks to acquire him and later signing him to a four-year, $150 million extension. His offensive struggles have made his production an important concern for New York. Related: Knicks HC Mike Brown sounds the alarm on Jalen Brunson after loss to Cavs Related: Knicks’ Jalen Brunson puts himself on the spot after tough loss to Cavs