SAN ANTONIO — As the New York Knicks celebrate their NBA championship, many Phoenix Suns fans found themselves celebrating a player rather than the team: Mikal Bridges.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Bridges was a key member of the Suns team that reached the 2021 NBA Finals and has now won the championship that narrowly escaped Phoenix that season. His title run with New York has resonated with Suns fans who still remember the versatile wing’s impact on one of the franchise’s most successful teams.
Seeing Mikal Bridges win a ring is so bittersweet.
Should’ve been in Phoenix 💔 https://t.co/yxnl1LLQZj
— Robbie (@SunsAreBetter) June 14, 2026
🫡 Mikal Bridges… ultimate Iron Man, teammate and now NBA champion. pic.twitter.com/Q6lY43RCpa
— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) June 14, 2026
Mikal Bridges is an NBA Champion 🥹 pic.twitter.com/h7Smkbmvgf
— Book’em (@dbookownsyou) June 14, 2026
I’m happy for Mikal Bridges. He was with my Suns https://t.co/qLnCr4vIvs
— Kris English (@Xiahou_Ba707) June 14, 2026
Jul 8, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges (25) against the Milwaukee Bucks in game two of the 2021 NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The 2021 Suns, led by Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Bridges, came within two wins of capturing Phoenix’s first NBA title before falling to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games. While the roster has seen its fair share of changes, Bridges remains one of the most beloved figures from that era. Known for his durability, defense and upbeat personality, Bridges became a fan favorite during his time in Phoenix.
Although Bridges’ time in Phoenix ended before the Suns could make another Finals run, his career continued to ascend elsewhere.
Jun 13, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) makes a jump shot over San Antonio Spurs guard De’aaron Fox (4) during game five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The former Suns forward was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in February 2023 as part of the blockbuster deal that brought Kevin Durant to Phoenix. He flourished in Brooklyn, emerging as a primary scoring option and one of the team’s leaders. In the summer of 2024, the Knicks acquired Bridges in another major trade, reuniting him with several former Villanova teammates and creating a core that would eventually bring New York its first championship in 53 years.
Jun 13, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) warms up prior to game five of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
For Suns fans, Bridges’ championship is a reminder of the talent and chemistry that defined Phoenix’s 2021 Finals run. While it ended short of a title, his success offers some satisfaction for a fan base that watched him grow into one of the league’s most respected two-way players.
Bridges’ championship may have come in New York, but his connection to Phoenix remains strong, and fans in the Valley are celebrating it nonetheless.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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