Aiming High: Mikal Bridges and His Shooting Journey
Throughout his NBA career, Mikal Bridges has established himself as a reliable shooter from beyond the arc, boasting a career average of 37.5% on three-point shots. This efficiency has been a defining characteristic for the forward, who has never experienced a season with a three-point shooting percentage below 36.1%.
Last season, while donning the jersey of the Brooklyn Nets, Bridges demonstrated his shooting prowess with a 37.2% efficiency from three-point land on 7.2 attempts per game. His catch-and-shoot abilities stood out particularly, as he ranked seventh in the NBA with 5.6 attempts per game, making 38.4% of those opportunities.
However, not all times have been easy for Bridges. During a recent preseason matchup against the Washington Wizards, he faced a different reality, missing all ten of his three-point attempts. Overall, his performance throughout four preseason games was underwhelming as he managed just two successes out of 19 attempts from beyond the arc. To most, these struggles might seem temporary, but to Bridges, they recall a long-term battle with shooting mechanics that dates back to his college years.
In discussing his shot mechanics, Bridges candidly 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 ongoing quest to perfect his form is a reminder of the persistent dedication and iterative adjustments that professional athletes often make behind the scenes.
He further elaborated on the specific challenges he faced: "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." These revelations offer insight into how even accomplished shooters can grapple with technical hurdles over extended periods.
The recent offseason brought significant changes for Bridges, as he was acquired by the New York Knicks in a high-stakes trade involving five first-round picks. As the new season looms, Bridges finds himself under the scrutiny of a passionate Knicks fan base, eager to see their new acquisition thrive.
Preseason games often serve as testing grounds for players, offering opportunities for experimentation and adjustments. For Bridges, this phase allows a chance to fine-tune his mechanics and shake off any rust accrued during the offseason shuffle. While his preseason performance was less than ideal, it's a period traditionally viewed as a time for growth and assessment rather than definitive judgment.
As the season progresses, the spotlight will inevitably turn to whether Bridges can reclaim his shooting consistency and deliver the fireworks expected by the Knicks faithful. His journey speaks volumes to the resilience and determination embedded in professional sports. It highlights the relentless pursuit of perfection and the unyielding spirit that drives athletes even when the spotlight dims.
With his past track record providing a foundation of confidence, Mikal Bridges remains a potent threat from beyond the arc. Only time will unveil how his adjustments translate into regular-season success. Knicks fans and basketball enthusiasts alike will be watching closely, hopeful that a return to form is on the horizon.