Bridges Faces Challenges Amidst Strong Career Numbers
Mikal Bridges, known for his proficiency beyond the arc, is currently navigating a challenging preseason. Despite holding an impressive career average of 37.5% from three-point range, recent performances remind fans and analysts of the unpredictability in sports. The Brooklyn Nets standout, now with the New York Knicks, has hit a rough patch, missing all ten of his attempts in a recent matchup against the Washington Wizards.
Throughout his NBA career, Bridges has consistently showcased his shooting prowess, never falling below a 36.1% shooting percentage in any season. Last season with the Nets, he logged a 37.2% efficiency rate on an average of 7.2 attempts per game. Such statistics not only underscore his skill but also establish him as a reliable figure in catch-and-shoot scenarios, ranking seventh in the NBA for attempts at 5.6 per game and converting 38.4% of those opportunities.
However, the preseason statistics paint a different picture. Across four games, Bridges managed only 2 of 19 from beyond the arc. This performance may raise eyebrows but should also be understood within the context of preseason basketball—a time for experimentation and adjustment. The period allows players to tweak techniques and adjust to new team dynamics without the looming pressure of regular-season records.
Technical Tweaks and Ongoing Adjustments
Bridges has been open about the tweaks and adjustments he has been making to his shooting form since his college days. "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 shared. His admission brings to light a deeper narrative of ongoing development and adjustment, a theme not uncommon among top-tier athletes attempting to refine their strengths.
The mechanical issues he references stem from as early as his college tenure. Bridges explained, "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 insight into his journey highlights the complexity of athletic performance, wherein even the most seasoned players find themselves pursuing that elusive perfect form.
A New Chapter with the Knicks
The current season represents a new chapter for Bridges, having been acquired by the New York Knicks in an offseason trade that saw the team part with five first-round picks. Such a significant investment underscores the franchise's confidence in Bridges’ abilities and potential impact, even as he works through current shooting challenges.
While the preseason results may not be as promising as expected, they offer a fresh slate for adjustment and strategy refinements. Mikal Bridges’ journey through the preseason setbacks serves as a testament to the nuanced nature of sports, where even the most talented athletes must contend with both the metrics of their profession and the psychological facets of performance.
As the regular season approaches, the basketball community remains watchful, anticipating how Bridges will harness his experiences—both struggles and successes—to reinforce his role as a pivotal player. For now, the preseason stands as a reminder that even a player with a robust shooting history must continuously engage in the intricate dance of technique and form adaptation. The basketball world waits in anticipation, eager to see how Bridges’ dedication to improvement will unfold on the court.