The Knicks trade for Mikal Bridges was questioned at the time. "Too much draft capital," they said. "He's not a number one option," they said.

Well, folks, he's proving to be exactly what championship teams need.

Bridges has been absolutely unconscious in the Eastern Conference Finals, shooting 24-of-33 (73%) from the field through three games against Cleveland. In Game 3 alone, he went 8-of-10 and finished with 22 points.

He's averaging 18 PPG while shooting 70%+ from the field and 40%+ from three in the series. Those are video game numbers, as the highlight reel shows.

But here's what makes Bridges so valuable - he's not just scoring efficiently. He's playing elite defense. He's moving without the ball. He's making the right play every single time.

That's what separates good players from winning players.

The Knicks gave up a haul to get him - multiple first-round picks, Bojan Bogdanovic, and other pieces. At the time, people called it an overpay. New York was criticized for being too aggressive.

But championship windows don't stay open forever. The Knicks knew they had something special with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. They needed a two-way wing who could defend, score efficiently, and not need the ball in his hands.

Bridges is all of that and more.

He's the perfect third option on a title team. He doesn't need plays run for him, but when he gets his opportunities, he's converting at a ridiculous rate. And on the defensive end? He's guarding the other team's best wing every single night.

One win away from the Finals, the Knicks look like a team built to go all the way. And Mikal Bridges is a huge reason why.

That's what sports is all about, folks. Finding the right pieces. Building a complete team. Proving the doubters wrong.