Mikal Bridges’ basketball life has taken a dramatic turn since joining the Brooklyn Nets. In his first playoff game with the team, Bridges scored 23 points in the first half, causing the Philadelphia 76ers to defend him more aggressively in the second half. Bridges’ basketball transformation has been the subject of features on ESPN and The Athletic, and he has done podcasts with JJ Redick and CJ McCollum. Bridges’ success with the Nets is a result of his hard work and dedication to improving his game. He has become a leading-man on the team, averaging 27.2 points on 60.7 true shooting in 26 regular-season games.
Bridges’ success with the Nets is a stark contrast to his playoff series with the Phoenix Suns last year. The Dallas Mavericks’ defensive strategy was to take Devin Booker and Chris Paul out of the game and force the rest of the Suns, including Bridges, to step up. Bridges finished with six points on 3-for-11 shooting, reflecting his team’s lack of offensive flow. However, Bridges learned from his growing pains and got most of them out of the way before joining the Nets. With Paul and Booker sidelined for long stretches earlier this season, the Suns’ need for more playmaking became much more immediate. Bridges struggled at first but eventually got more comfortable and started scoring more points.
Bridges’ success with the Nets has been a surprise to many, including his former coach at Villanova, Jay Wright. Bridges has never cared much about scoring, but he has become more aggressive as a scorer with the Nets. He is trying to take accountability for his role on the team and be the best he can be. Bridges’ success is a result of his hard work and dedication to improving his game. He believes that if you play the right way, bring the right kind of energy, and make the right decisions, the game will reward you.
