The New York Knicks are champions for the first time in 53 years, and Mikal Bridges made sure his doubters heard him — in less than five words.
After dropping 14 points on efficient shooting and locking down San Antonio’s perimeter in Game 5, Bridges stepped to the mic and brought back a phrase that defined the biggest gamble of the Knicks’ rebuild. Quoting the viral meme that has followed him since his 2024 trade from Brooklyn, Bridges said simply: “Yeah, f*** ’em.”
He was talking about the picks. All five of them.
The Trade That Wouldn’t Die
When the Knicks sent five future first-rounders to the Nets for Bridges, the basketball world called it an overpay. And for a stretch, those critics looked prescient. In Game 3 of the first round against Atlanta, Bridges followed a missed potential game-winner with a scoreless outing — drawing mockery from every corner of the NBA.
But something flipped. Beginning later in that series, Bridges rediscovered the aggressive, two-way version of himself that made him a coveted piece in the first place. He attacked the rim, hit open looks generated by Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, and continued to anchor the defense whether on or off the ball.
By the time the Finals rolled around, the narrative had shifted.
A Price Worth Paying
Five first-round picks is still an enormous haul for any single player. But the Knicks have the Larry O’Brien Trophy to show for it — the franchise’s first since 1973. In New York, the math now balances differently.
Bridges’ postgame quip, captured by Hoopshype’s Michael Scotto, wasn’t just a mic-drop moment. It was the sound of a front office’s bet finally cashing out. The Knicks will hold their championship parade through Manhattan on Thursday, and you can bet that four-word mantra will echo through the Canyon of Heroes.
For now, Bridges is just grateful — and unapologetic. “You talking about f*** them picks?” he said with a grin. “Just very grateful. But, yeah, f*** ’em.”
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