“Happy to get it done.” That was what Francis Tiafoe had to say to ESPN after leading the game 6-4, 6-1, 1-0 before Alexander Shevchenko was forced to exit the court during the third set. The home crowd was ecstatic as the 26-year-old star had advanced to the third round of the ongoing US Open. What’s even more intriguing for the fans is that there was a familiar face, Mikal Bridges, on the sidelines who was there to support Tiafoe throughout the game, indirectly raising question marks on his NBA allegiances.

It was the ‘dap-me-up‘ post-victory celebration moment that said it all! Knicks star Mikal Bridges was in attendance and was dapped up by Tiafoe after his win. Now, New York is no stranger to Bridges even during the offseason as he can be spotted at Barclays Center supporting the New York Liberty. But wait, there’s more to it!

Those of you who are thinking that wasn’t the tennis star, a Nets fan before are absolutely right. But it seems there has been a noticeable shift in team allegiance ahead of the approaching season. Don’t believe us? Wait till you hear this – Tiafoe was captured sporting a Jalen Brunson jersey before his match!

Now his love for donning NBA jerseys is pretty well-known. Last year itself, he was seen in a fellow Maryland native Immanuel Quickley’s jersey at a US Open practice session. And who better to relish the victory moment with than Bridges who has a past with the Nets and shares a slice of the present with the Knicks! But most Nets fans can’t seem to get over this heartache of Tiafoe switching sides and leaving their fan club in a lurch just ahead of the NBA season.

Mikal Bridges watches Tiafoe advance: The unexpected cross-sport support that left the fans in shock

For the NBA stars, attending the US Open is their way of taking some time off the court, and also to show their immense support for their favorites. Jimmy Butler was in attendance last year and, to the fans’ amusement, was on duty as a Ball Crew member during Tiafoe and Carlos Alcaraz’s opening-round match. Julius Randle and his wife, Kendra, have also enjoyed attending the US Open.

Back to today, as Tiafoe walked over to dap up a cheering crowd of fans, the one with Bridges was quite a special one. However, for the Nets fan, this came across as a tremor of shock, to say the least, that the tennis star had joined hands with the rival team! One of them posted on X to vent out his shock and frustration, saying, “And now we got Tiafoe dapping up Mikal Bridges after his W 🙌🤝 The connection? No idea…”

Considering the neck-to-neck clashes the two teams have been involved in giving many reasons to the fans to swoon in anxiety, the fan reactions do not come across as a huge surprise. The Knicks and Nets have had a classic rivalry over the years. Jalen Brunson’s 30 points, with an additional 30 coming from Julius Randle, had ignited the Knicks’ winning streak over Brooklyn in the 4 regular games last season with a narrow victory margin of 108-103. That is also what a fan paid homage to when they wrote, “Real recognize real @jalenbrunson1″. The sentiments running high were real for sure!

Another netizen couldn’t wrap his head around why Tiafoe had switched to the Knicks, but couldn’t stop from declaring himself to be the tennis star’s new fan! “Had to google and confirm that he’s a tennis player but I was rooting for him off the rip.” As far as the court heroics go, a fan was even convinced that the New York supremacy is strong enough to surpass legendary names! And what’s the proof – the jersey sightings on the court! “Zero lebron or jordan jerseys in sight, that’s when you know JB has surpassed them”. 

Well, Jalen Brunson’s chances to win an NBA title have surely risen in this offseason. That’s because Mikal Bridges has walked into the NY side with healthy averages of 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season. As of now, he is taking some time off to bounce back with a re-energized spirit for the upcoming hardwood action in what would be his debut with the Knicks.

The NBA rivals have locked horns in the 103 games played since 2004, with the Knicks winning 52 and the Nets standing with 51 wins in their record. This classic New York rivalry will be all the more exciting to watch out for, it seems!

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.