The rivalry between the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets is one of the more underrated matchups in the NBA, often overshadowed by the league’s bigger clashes. But on February 21, 2025, a game between the two teams would see an unforgettable moment that left fans buzzing: a game-saving play from Brooklyn’s Mikal Bridges and a rare moment of gratitude from Knicks’ star Jalen Brunson. The phrase “long a** arms” became a meme-worthy moment that captured the essence of the high-intensity competition and camaraderie that exists in the NBA.
The Backstory: Knicks and Nets in a Tight Battle
The game had everything Knicks and Nets fans could ask for. From fast breaks to clutch shots, both teams fought hard on the court, with playoff implications hanging over each possession. With both teams sitting close to the postseason cut-off line, each game matters more than ever.
The Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson, entered the game with momentum after a string of solid wins. Brunson’s leadership, scoring, and playmaking had kept the team afloat throughout the season, but Brooklyn’s Mikal Bridges had other plans. The Nets had established themselves as gritty competitors, with Bridges emerging as the centerpiece for their defensive efforts. The matchup between these two teams was poised to be a battle of not just star power but also defensive tenacity.
The Dramatic Final Moments
With the game winding down and the Knicks holding onto a slim lead, the Nets found themselves down by just two points, with less than 10 seconds remaining on the clock. It was a prime opportunity for Brooklyn to make a play and steal a win from their crosstown rivals. As the Nets pushed the ball up the floor, they moved quickly into their final possession.
Mikal Bridges, known for his stifling perimeter defense, was guarding Brunson with the clock ticking down. The Knicks had the ball, and all eyes were on Brunson to either extend their lead or seal the win with a clutch shot. As Brunson dribbled at the top of the arc, it was clear that Bridges wasn’t going to make it easy for him. The Nets’ defense was locked in, and Bridges, with his long wingspan and defensive instincts, was positioning himself perfectly to make a play.
With just under five seconds left, Brunson made his move, attempting to break through Bridges’ defense and get a clean look at the basket. But in a stunning display of defensive skill, Bridges extended his arm just enough to block Brunson’s shot attempt as he rose up for the jumper. The ball deflected off of Brunson’s hand and bounced to the sideline, ultimately going out of bounds with just 1.4 seconds left on the clock.
It was a game-saving play for the Nets, preventing Brunson from sealing the win for the Knicks and giving Brooklyn one last chance to tie or win the game.
Jalen Brunson’s Reaction: ‘Thankful for His Long A** Arms’
After the dramatic moment, an interview with Jalen Brunson shed some light on the significance of that defensive play by Bridges. When asked about the crucial stop, Brunson was visibly impressed but also couldn’t help but laugh. He credited Mikal Bridges’ defensive prowess, making an unexpected comment that soon became viral.
“Honestly, I’m just thankful for his long a** arms,” Brunson said, with a chuckle, acknowledging how difficult it had been to get a clean shot off against the much taller and longer Bridges. “I thought I had a good look at it, but he made a great play. He’s a really good defender, and you’ve got to give credit where it’s due. He’s tough to get around, and I had to try my best to make something happen.”
Brunson’s light-hearted acknowledgment of Bridges’ incredible defensive skill quickly became a talking point for fans and analysts alike. It was a rare moment of candidness from a player who often maintains a more stoic demeanor. Yet, it was also a testament to the respect that players in the league have for one another, especially when they compete at such a high level.
Mikal Bridges: The Defensive Specialist
While Jalen Brunson’s statement was filled with gratitude and humor, it also underscored just how much Bridges has earned his reputation as one of the NBA’s top defenders. Known for his ability to guard multiple positions and his disruptive impact on the floor, Bridges has quietly become one of the league’s most underrated defensive players.
Standing at 6’6” with a wingspan of 7 feet, Bridges is a nightmare for opposing scorers. His combination of length, lateral quickness, and basketball IQ makes him a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end of the floor. Whether it’s blocking shots, contesting three-pointers, or forcing turnovers, Bridges is always in the thick of the action.
In the context of the Knicks-Nets game, Bridges’ defensive play on Brunson was a perfect example of his ability to close out a game. His timing and anticipation were impeccable, and his long arms were a major factor in his success. It’s no wonder that players like Brunson, who are known for their offensive skill, appreciate and recognize the value of someone like Bridges on the other side of the ball.
The Aftermath: A Viral Moment
Following the game, Brunson’s comment about Bridges’ “long a** arms” quickly made its rounds on social media, with fans and sports pundits having a bit of fun with the phrase. The NBA world is no stranger to viral moments, and this one was no exception. The playful and honest nature of Brunson’s words made it a fan favorite, with memes, gifs, and hashtags trending in the hours following the game.
Some took to Twitter to share their own admiration for both players: “Bridges’ defense is elite, but Jalen’s reaction is what makes this moment so special. Real recognizes real!” another fan tweeted, accompanied by a clip of Brunson’s comment.
Brunson’s comment also highlighted the friendly competitiveness that often exists between players, especially in the heat of a rivalry like Knicks vs. Nets. Though the two teams were battling for playoff positioning, this moment of gratitude and humor reminded fans that, behind the fierce competition, there’s mutual respect.
Looking Ahead: Playoff Implications and Personal Growth
For Jalen Brunson, moments like these are just a part of his journey as a leader on the Knicks. Though the loss stung, he would continue to prove why he’s one of the most reliable and clutch players in the NBA. His ability to acknowledge his opponent’s skill while also recognizing the need for improvement is a sign of his maturity.
For Mikal Bridges, the game-saving play further solidified his place as one of the most valuable two-way players in the league. The defensive stop against a player of Brunson’s caliber only adds to his growing reputation as a key player for Brooklyn’s success. Both players are likely to be pivotal in their teams’ postseason aspirations, and as the season progresses, these kinds of moments will only add to the drama of their respective seasons.
In the end, the phrase “long a** arms” may have been said in jest, but it carried with it a profound respect for the defensive craft. As the Knicks and Nets continue their rivalry, moments like these will remind fans that basketball is as much about skill and effort as it is about camaraderie and mutual respect between players.
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