Mikal Bridges has established himself as a reliable perimeter threat since entering the NBA, boasting a notable career average of 37.5% from beyond the arc. However, his recent preseason performance has raised some eyebrows, particularly for an athlete accustomed to consistent accuracy.
A Rare Off Night
During a preseason clash against the Washington Wizards, Bridges experienced an unusual off night, missing all ten of his three-point attempts. This uncharacteristic performance stands in stark contrast to his usually reliable shooting stroke, as he has never dipped below a 36.1% three-point shooting percentage in any NBA season.
Last season, Bridges demonstrated his scoring prowess with the Brooklyn Nets, maintaining a solid 37.2% efficiency from three-point range while attempting an average of 7.2 shots per game. His skills in the catch-and-shoot category were also notable; he ranked seventh in the league in attempts with 5.6 per game and capitalized on 38.4% of those chances.
Struggles and Adjustments
Despite these achievements, Bridges has dealt with mechanical issues in his shooting form since his college days. His quest to perfect his shot is something that has been part of his journey since joining the NBA.
"Ever since I got into the league, been trying to fix it back to when I was in college, so it's been seven years of just every day," Bridges revealed. "When I came out of college, I kind of tweaked it a little bit. And then my second year in the league, I had the hitch, and tried to build back from that ever since. So just trying to get it right. Pretty much it."
This candid insight into his shooting struggles offers a glimpse of the challenges Bridges faces despite his success on the court. The offseason move to the New York Knicks, which involved trading five first-round picks, adds another layer to his current narrative, potentially introducing new opportunities and challenges.
Preseason as a Testing Ground
Preseason games offer a valuable period for experimentation and adjustments, providing players like Bridges the opportunity to refine their skills and adapt to new team dynamics. Despite shooting 2 of 19 from three-point range over four preseason games, this period should not overly concern Knicks fans or observers who recognize the nature of preseason as an experimental phase.
The situation underscores the importance of this time for adjustments and improvements, allowing players like Bridges to iron out any kinks in their performance before the regular season begins. With his history of reliable shooting and the Knicks' significant investment in acquiring him, Bridges' focus will likely remain on regaining his rhythm as the new season approaches.
The Road Ahead
For Mikal Bridges, the upcoming NBA season will serve as a proving ground to demonstrate his ability to overcome mechanical hurdles and maintain his status as a top-tier shooter. Given his track record and dedication to improvement, there is ample reason to believe he will regain his shooting form and thrive in his new role with the Knicks.
As the regular season looms, all eyes will be on Bridges, not only to see if he can reaffirm his shooting prowess but also to observe how he gels with his new team in New York. His journey, marked by both triumph and the pursuit of perfection, continues to captivate basketball enthusiasts, promising yet another compelling chapter in his evolving NBA career.