Mikal Bridges finds solace in front of a television screen: a game controller gripped by his gangly fingers, a headset sitting on his waves and his best friend in the NBA in his ear. For months, Bridges and Knicks teammate Cam Payne had been playing the recently resurrected College Football 25.

Mikal Bridges has not had the dream first season with the New York Knicks. He has faced endless criticism for his inconsistency and lack of aggression, and that criticism is largely attached to the price tag of five first-round picks to acquire Bridges in the summer.

Down by 14 points in the third quarter of Game 4, the Knicks came roaring back for another improbable, instant-classic victory over the defending champion Boston Celtics.