Mikal Bridges admits he struggled handling Nets’ losing as fresh start with Knicks begins

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Mikal Bridges officially started his Knicks career Tuesday with an understanding that his previous stint in Brooklyn, while a frustrating disappointment, was also a valuable learning experience.

“Yeah, it was tough in Brooklyn, we were losing. Even personally, I think I didn’t handle it as well as I could,” Bridges said after finishing his first practice with the Knicks in training camp. “I always preach mental toughness and never losing your spirit. But it was just something I never dealt with like that. And, I think it was just a lot just for that team in general when I was there and the expectation for everybody and I think I didn’t handle it as good as I should have.

“But coming here, it’s good. Everybody’s locked in and everybody’s motivated and coach [Tom Thibodeau] got everybody locked in. So it’s great to be here.”

With the Nets, Bridges took on the burden of the No. 1 offensive option and struggled with efficiency as the focus of the opposition’s defense.

It’ll be a different role in MSG alongside Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.

“When you got two All-NBA guys like that, that’s what it is,” Bridges said. “It’s definitely going to open up spacing.”