New York Knicks: 2018 NBA Draft targets who stepped up on Mar. 16

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DETROIT, MI – MARCH 16: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans handles the ball during the first half against the Bucknell Bison in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

The Michigan State Spartans weren’t expecting to have Miles Bridges for more than one season. A projected fringe lottery pick in 2017, Bridges opted to return for his sophomore campaign and polish his game to become a true perimeter player.

Michigan State has reaped the benefits of that decision, as Bridges has firmly established himself as one of the best wings in the 2018 NBA Draft.

Bridges erupted for 29 points, nine rebounds, three offensive boards, and four assists for the victorious Spartans. He shot 12-of-22 from the field and 3-of-7 from beyond the arc in an electrifying showing against a Bucknell squad that made every bucket count.

Michigan State was the heavy favorite entering the No. 3 versus No. 14 matchup, but it won by a mere four points in an 82-78 shootout.

Bridges did everything imaginable for the Spartans on the offensive end of the floor. He created for his teammates, worked without the ball, displayed his three-point range, and even attacked the opposition with tenacity in isolation.

The New York Knicks have Bridges on the radar as the potential answer at the small forward position. Performances like this display exactly why.

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