For much of the past two years, Mikal Bridges occupied an unusual place in New York sports. He was the player tied to the blockbuster trade package that cost the Knicks five first-round picks, a constant target of debate whenever expectations exceeded results. This week, however, the loudest conversation surrounding Bridges had nothing to do with trade value, playoff metrics, or championship banners. It centered on a 95-year-old fan whose devotion to both the Knicks and Bridges left the NBA champion visibly emotional.
