NBA Notes: Knicks, Mikal Bridges, Raptors, RJ Barrett, Sixers

Knicks

The Knicks have had a lot going wrong lately, but one issue keeps popping up late in games.

Mikal Bridges has struggled badly in fourth quarters, and Stefan Bondy of the New York Post put numbers to it. Bridges is averaging just 3.5 points in the fourth on 42.4 percent shooting, despite playing more minutes than any Knick. In first halves, he shoots better than 55 percent.

It is not just shot-making. Bridges has not played through contact. Bondy notes there are roughly 80 players across the league who play fewer minutes while getting to the free-throw line more often. That matters for a team that bogs down late.

The problem becomes louder when Jalen Brunson is out. Bridges was brought in to be a third option and stabilize things. Instead, he is averaging 17.8 points in five games without Brunson, and the Knicks are 1–4 in those contests.

Bondy points out that Bridges answered similar questions in last year’s playoffs. The Knicks are betting that version still exists.

Raptors

The Raptors may be close to getting RJ Barrett back.

Barrett has missed four straight games with an ankle injury, but Michael Grange of Sportsnet reports he has returned to on-court work.

According to Grange, Barrett has been practicing with intensity, does not appear to be favoring the ankle, and is trending toward a return during Toronto’s current five-game road trip.

That would be a welcome development for a Raptors team short on shot creation.

76ers

The Sixers are trying to reset Jared McCain.

McCain was assigned to the G League on Saturday after struggling to hold a rotation spot in Year 2. His shooting has fallen off a cliff, hitting just 35.4 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from three after much stronger rookie numbers.

Coach Nick Nurse has said the priority is minutes and comfort. So far, that part has not shown up either. McCain went 5-of-18 with six turnovers and no assists in his first G League game, per Adam Aranson of the Philly Voice.

In other words, this looks less like a punishment and more like a search for footing.