Mikal Bridges Adjusts to New Heights with the Knicks
The New York Knicks have made a bold move, acquiring Mikal Bridges for the price of five first-round picks. Bridges, a player whose name is increasingly synonymous with perimeter defense and outside shooting, brings a proven track record to the team. However, his recent preseason performance has presented a new challenge.
In the Knicks' preseason finale against the Washington Wizards, Bridges struggled on the court, posting an uncharacteristic 0-for-10 performance from the three-point line. This cold streak wasn't an isolated incident; over the course of four preseason games, Bridges shot a dismal 2-for-19 from beyond the arc. These numbers stand in stark contrast to his established career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, a consistency he has maintained since entering the league by never dipping below a 36.1% rate.
The Knicks' investment in Bridges reflects a belief in his ability to return to form. Last season, he took a career-high 7.2 three-point attempts per game, converting 37.2% of those into points. Such stats paint the picture of a player with both the willingness to shoot and the ability to make those shots count. His efforts in catch-and-shoot situations quantify his capacity to deliver under pressure. With 5.6 attempts per game last year, he was the seventh-most active player in this regard, achieving a 38.4% success rate. This accuracy placed him among the top three in efficiency compared to players attempting similar or greater numbers of shots from catch-and-shoot positions.
Bridges' tenacity off the court mirrors the energy he brings to games. Speaking candidly about his shot, Bridges remarked, "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."
This self-reflection speaks volumes about the challenges NBA players like Bridges face as they attempt to perfect their game. Despite the trials and tribulations inherent in his shooting mechanics, Bridges continues to chase the form he displayed during his college days, where his shooting prowess first caught the eyes of scouts and fans alike.
The Knicks are banking on Bridges' capacity to rebound from this preseason slump and return to his customary form. In a league where shooting prowess can drastically alter the landscape of a team's offensive strategy, Bridges' ability to reclaim his accuracy from downtown will be pivotal. The Knicks' front-office decision-makers undoubtedly weighed Bridges' career performance against his recent preseason struggles, ultimately siding with his historically reliable shot under normal circumstances.
The NBA calendar is notoriously demanding, with barely enough time to tweak techniques let alone overhaul mechanics. Yet, if history is any indicator, Bridges' perseverance will serve him well. Coach and fans alike are optimistic that his steadfast dedication to refining his method will yield fruitful results as the season unfolds.
What truly sets elite players apart is their resilience and adaptability; traits Bridges embodies. As he finds his footing with the Knicks, gaining rhythm and confidence in his shot, it's expected that Mikal Bridges will once again become a vital link in the chain of New York's hardwood fortunes. For both Bridges and the Knicks, the upcoming season promises to be a compelling narrative of grit, growth, and the pursuit of on-court excellence, as one of their key players undertakes this journey back to form.