Mikal Bridges' recent performance during the preseason finale left fans of the New York Knicks with mixed feelings. The Knicks have made significant moves during the offseason, notably acquiring Bridges by giving up five first-round picks. The high demand for his talents underscored the franchise's belief in his ability to contribute significantly to their championship aspirations. However, his struggle in the preseason has stirred some concerns.
A Struggle from Beyond the Arc
In a critical preseason game against the Washington Wizards, Bridges endured a rough night, missing all ten of his three-point attempts. This performance was not an isolated incident. Over the span of four preseason games, Bridges hit just 2 of 19 shots from beyond the arc, sparking questions about his shooting form and rhythm as the regular season approaches.
For a player like Bridges, known for his consistent shooting, such preseason performances are a bit uncharacteristic. Over his NBA career, Bridges boasts a respectable three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, with his numbers never dipping below 36.1% in any season. This career record highlights the anomaly of his recent shooting woes.
Strong Historical Performance
Last season, Bridges demonstrated his prowess from range by attempting a career-high 7.2 three-pointers per game, connecting on 37.2% of those attempts. His ability to execute under pressure was further illustrated by his thriving in catch-and-shoot situations. In this aspect, Bridges ranked as the seventh-most active player with 5.6 attempts per game, converting them at an impressive 38.4% efficiency, putting him among the league's elite.
Reflecting on his shooting journey, Bridges himself acknowledged the adjustments and challenges over the years. "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. 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," shared Bridges.
The Road Ahead for Bridges
Bridges' comments offer a glimpse into the mental and technical adjustments an elite athlete must undergo to achieve and maintain proficiency. It's a testament to his resilience and dedication to refining his craft. For the Knicks, having a player like Bridges, who combines skills and steadfast determination, could pay dividends as the season progresses.
Despite the rocky preseason performance, both Bridges and the Knicks will be keen to draw upon his proven track record. His capability to bounce back and recalibrate his shooting form will be central to the team’s strategies as they aim for success in the upcoming NBA season.
The acquisition of Bridges underscores New York's commitment to building a formidable roster. While the spotlight remains on his shooting, the truth is that Bridges' value on the court extends beyond just scoring. His presence as a reliable defender and a leader will be crucial as the Knicks strive to make a deep playoff run.
As the regular season unfolds, all eyes will be on Mikal Bridges to rediscover his form from deep. His past performances and determination suggest there's ample reason for optimism. The Knicks, having invested so significantly in him, will be hoping that these preseason struggles are but a minor blip on what promises to be a noteworthy season. Will Bridges manage to silence his critics and deliver for his new team? That remains to be seen, but the foundation of his potential is undoubtedly strong.