New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau gave a swift response to a report on Mikal Bridges’ minutes request. The Knicks’ starting small forward made an eye-opening statement on the strain the starters have been under for most of the season.

Bridges told reporters in Portland ahead of tipoff against the Trail Blazers on Wednesday he asked Tom Thibodeau to reduce the Knicks starters’ minutes, citing a bench he believes can help the team win games if trusted with a greater workload.

Tom Thibodeau has faced criticism for playing his starters too much. Mikal Bridges' comments on the matter caused a stir.