Miles Bridges, just a couple weeks removed from returning from a long and controversial absence, was booed enthusiastically by the MSG crowd but claimed it wasn’t bothersome.
“Didn’t really pay attention to it,” Bridges told The Post after the Knicks’ 115-91 win over the Hornets. “It’s part of the game. Usually the away team gets booed. I got booed the most. It is what it is.”
Bridges missed a full season after getting arrested and charged with domestic violence.
He returned this month — which followed a league suspension — and, despite some ugly accusations, was cheered by his home crowd in Charlotte.
New Yorkers had a different reaction, especially when Bridges stepped to the foul line.
“Our fans are [happy to see me back],” Bridges said. “Of course the away teams aren’t going to be.”
Bridges finished with 13 points on 5 of 12 shooting in 32 minutes. The Hornets (5-11) were outscored by 22 points with him on the floor.
“I didn’t get my wind back [yet],” Bridges said. “I’m still getting adjusted to everything. No excuses. I’ll be fine.”
RJ Barrett started his season on a tear, highlighted by his 3-point efficiency and playmaking.
But the first migraines of his life — which Barrett called “terrible” and “not something I’d wish on anybody” — ceased his upward trajectory and the Canadian struggled to rediscover his form.
In the four games after the migraine — before Tuesday’s contest against the Hornets — Barrett averaged just 14 points on 35.8 percent shooting. It’s well below his averages of pre-migraine.
“Yeah man, I didn’t pick up where I left off,” said Barrett, who shot just 3 of 13 on Tuesday and finished with 16 points. “That’s OK. Honestly, this was going to happen at some point during the season whether I got sick or not. So, I’m just doing what I do all the time, working my way out of it. Not worried.”
Tom Thibodeau also shrugged it off.
“Just sometimes that happens,” the coach said. “He was in a good rhythm and then he’s trying to find his way again. He’ll get thereWe have a lot of confidence in him. Usually if you can get a few easy baskets you can get going again.”
Although advancement in the NBA In-Season Tournament may have hinged on point differential, Thibodeau reiterated it wasn’t something he’s concerned about and hinted he wouldn’t disrespect the game.
“Winning is the most important part,” the Knicks coach said. “And playing the right way is also very important.”