Mikal Bridges Strives for Precision in a Season of Change
Mikal Bridges, known for his proficiency from beyond the arc, has become a focal point in the post-offseason chatter surrounding the New York Knicks. With a career average of 37.5% from three-point range, Bridges has proven to be a reliable shooter throughout his NBA tenure. Yet, the recent preseason performance tells a story of struggle and transformation, shedding light on the challenges faced by even the most seasoned athletes.
Bridges, who joined the Knicks in a much-talked-about trade involving five first-round picks, encountered headwinds in his shooting during the preseason. The swingman's first few outings with his new team highlighted a concerning slump, culminating in a dismal 2 of 19 shooting from the three-point line over four games. Most striking was his game against the Washington Wizards, where he went 0-10 from deep, a statistic that underlined his ongoing battle with shooting consistency.
Despite these setbacks, history shows that Bridges rarely falters for long. He has never dropped below 36.1% shooting from beyond the arc in any season, maintaining a reputation as a clutch shooter since his entry into the league. Last season with the Brooklyn Nets, Bridges maintained a solid 37.2% efficiency from the three-point line on 7.2 attempts per game, a testament to his resilience and skill.
Offensively, Bridges’ ability in catch-and-shoot situations is notable. Ranking seventh in the NBA for attempts, he averaged 5.6 catch-and-shoot three-pointers per game and converted 38.4% of those chances. These metrics underscore his inherent aptitude for spacing the floor and capitalizing on quick-release opportunities, elements of his game that have been cornerstones of his NBA success.
However, Bridges’ shooting form has been a work in progress, plagued by mechanical issues dating back to his college days. Reflecting on this ongoing challenge, Bridges shared, "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." This candid acknowledgment reveals the persistent evolution and refinement required in the professional domain.
His early professional years introduced additional hurdles. "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," Bridges remarked. His endeavors to perfect his form illustrate a relentless pursuit of excellence, a characteristic vital to advancing in his NBA career.
In professional basketball, the preseason is often viewed as a time for experimentation, a laboratory for players to adjust and refine their skill sets before the rigors of the regular season. For Bridges, it is precisely this phase that provides an opportunity to recalibrate and find the rhythm that has punctuated his NBA journey so far. The Knicks are banking on Bridges' ability to adapt and regain his shooting touch, trusting in his track record as a reliable shooter.
As the regular season approaches, the spotlight will inevitably follow Bridges' performance closely. While his shooting struggles have drawn attention, they also serve as a testament to the challenges players face in the transition to a new team and environment. Bridges' resolve and dedication to improving his form signal that this chapter is merely a part of a broader narrative of a player known for his resilience and skill on the court.
In embracing this challenge, Bridges remains undaunted, drawing on his experience and commitment to the game. As he continues to work on perfecting his craft, the NBA community watches with anticipation, eager to see Bridges translate his preseason efforts into regular-season success.