Mikal Bridges Compares Knicks to Villanova Championship Teams

The New York Knicks, fueled by a strong core of former Villanova players, are cruising through the 2026 NBA postseason.

The Knicks have won 10 straight playoff games, including Saturday night’s Game 3 victory to take a 3-0 Eastern Conference Finals lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The former Wildcats - Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges - have been excellent for the Knicks throughout the postseason. After Saturday night’s win, Bridges was asked to compare this year’s New York squad to their championship teams at Villanova.

Bridges and Brunson won two NCAA Tournament national championships in 2016 and 2018. Hart was around for the Wildcats’ 2016 title.

“I just think taking possession by possession and having that 0-0 mentality and playing desperate. I think that’s kind of what we brought from Villanova,” Bridges said.

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Bridges recorded 22 points, six rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks in Saturday night’s 121-108 victory over the Cavaliers. Brunson scored a game-high 30 points, while Hart posted another all-around performance with 12 points, nine rebounds, five assists and four steals.

“I’m so close with a lot of guys on this team,” Bridges added. “Just them just being there and knowing that I want to play better and especially to help the team win. They want that too.”

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Game 4 will tipoff at 8 p.m. ET on Monday.

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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 7:14 PM.