Cunningham, who lit up the Knicks during the regular season has struggled to find the same rhythm with the stakes raised in the playoffs.

A lot of the talk heading into the Knicks’ first-round series against the Pistons has been about Mikal Bridges’ defense on Cade Cunningham. But it’s his offense that could be the X factor in ...

A lot of the talk heading into the Knicks’ first-round series against the Pistons has been about Mikal Bridges’ defense on Cade Cunningham. But it’s his offense that could be the X factor in ...

Mikal Bridges has faced overwhelming criticism in his first season on the New York Knicks, with the most common gripe revolving around his performance in big games.

Who guards Cade Cunningham? The easy answer to this question is Mikal Bridges, who has more experience (219 possessions) guarding Cunningham than every other player in the NBA except for just Jrue ...

AP Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham drives down court as New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges gives chase. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post ...

Mikal Bridges, his primary defender in those games, struggled to contain the first-time All-Star, as did the Knicks’ defense overall. The playoffs, however, are a completely different beast.

The playoffs are where he can change the narrative. As the Knicks enter a first-round matchup with the Detroit Pistons (44-38), the main priority will be slowing down Pistons star Cade Cunningham.

The biggest little thing came with under a minute left, when Bridges stripped Cade Cunningham — preserving a one-point Knicks lead. “He’s able to be disruptive.

“Throughout the whole year, just a really good player,” said Mikal Bridges, who was one of the main defenders on Cunningham this season.

Apr 29, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) drives past New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) in the fourth quarter during game five of first round for ...

BIRMINGHAM, Mich. — The Knicks’ defensive game plan on Cade Cunningham is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. Cunningham, who lit up New York during the regular season — averaging 31 ...