New York Knicks supporters are still fuming after an awkward moment during the 2026 ESPYs red carpet coverage.
In a live segment, ESPN reporter Kimberley A. Martin was interviewing Mikal Bridges and Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo about the Eastern Conference unexpectedly referred to the Knicks forward as “Miles.”
The slip-up quickly went viral, igniting a wave of frustration among fans who viewed it as a glaring sign of disrespect toward one of their key players.
Bridges, ever the professional, brushed off the mistake without missing a beat. He continued the interview smoothly, offering insights as if nothing had happened. His composure stood in stark contrast to the online backlash that followed, where supporters took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their displeasure.
Many tagged the segment’s host, with one fan describing the error as “a whole different level of pathetic and embarrassing.” Others questioned how someone covering the NBA could mix up such a recognizable name, especially for a player central to the Knicks’ recent championship success.
The timing amplified the annoyance. Just weeks after the Knicks claimed their first NBA title since 1973 by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in the Finals, the team was being honored at the ESPYs with the Best Team award.
Bridges, a vital contributor throughout the playoff run, had helped deliver that long-awaited victory. For many fans, seeing his name botched on such a high-profile night felt like an unnecessary slight against both the player and the franchise.
Bridges arrived in New York ahead of the 2024-25 season after stints with the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets. The move reunited him with former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, recreating the chemistry that once powered the Wildcats to multiple national titles.
Known for his reliability and two-way play, Bridges started all 82 games in the 2025-26 regular season, though his minutes dipped slightly. He posted averages of 14.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, stepping up notably during the Eastern Conference Finals with 18.5 points per contest.
While the name mix-up itself was minor in the grand scheme of sports broadcasting errors, it struck a nerve with Knicks loyalists who have endured decades of mediocrity before this breakthrough championship.
In their eyes, it represented broader issues of media attention and respect for a team that had finally reached the mountaintop.
Bridges may have let it slide, but the fanbase made sure the moment didn’t go unnoticed, turning what could have been a forgettable gaffe into a talking point that highlighted their passion and protectiveness over their stars.
