NBA Notes: Knicks, Mikal Bridges, Spurs, Stephon Castle, Suns

Knicks

Mikal Bridges has been on both sides of an NBA Finals turnaround, which is why the Knicks veteran isn’t ready to celebrate a 2-0 series lead.

Bridges was a member of the Suns team that won the first two games of the 2021 Finals before dropping four straight to the Bucks. Following New York’s Game 2 victory over the Spurs, he delivered a simple message to his teammates.

“0-0, man. Keep playing,” Bridges said during an appearance on ESPN’s Inside the NBA. “Take this rest. We got two days, take a break, do whatever you gotta do to get ready for this next game, but keep going out there and don’t stop.”

Bridges has helped set the tone defensively for the Knicks through the first two games. According to the New York Daily News, he has held De’Aaron Fox to 0-for-4 shooting and Stephon Castle to 1-for-7 when serving as the primary defender.

Spurs

The Spurs appear to be heading into Game 3 at full strength, as Stephon Castle said he is feeling much better after landing awkwardly on Bridges’ foot late in Game 2.

“It feels a lot better than I thought it would initially,” Castle told reporters. “Waking up the next day, actually felt really good.”

Castle has been a key defender for San Antonio throughout the Finals. He has helped limit Knicks star Jalen Brunson to just 2-for-10 shooting when matched up against him as the primary defender.

Meanwhile, the Spurs entered Monday without any players listed on the injury report.

Suns

Forward Rasheer Fleming is hoping to take another step forward after an encouraging rookie season in Phoenix.

The 31st overall pick in the 2025 draft said his focus this summer is improving every aspect of his game, including ball-handling, decision-making and shooting.

“Just keep progressing on my game,” Fleming told Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. “Overall, just working on different areas of my game.”

Fleming also confirmed he plans to participate in Summer League after appearing in a reserve role as a rookie.

“Last year, I wasn’t really sure what to expect,” Fleming said. “This year, it’s going to be really good.”