Shooting Woes: Mikal Bridges' Preseason Struggles Raise Questions
Mikal Bridges, known for his reliable long-range shooting, has found himself in an uncharacteristic slump this preseason. Struggling from beyond the arc, the usually dependable shooter has been unable to find his rhythm, missing all ten of his three-point attempts in a recent game against the Washington Wizards. Over the course of four preseason games, Bridges managed to make just 2 out of 19 shots from three-point range—a statistic that has raised some eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
A career average of 37.5% from three-point range highlights Bridges as one of the more consistent shooters in the NBA. He has never seen a season end with a three-point percentage below 36.1%, marking his current shooting troubles as a stark deviation from his norm. Last season, while playing for the Brooklyn Nets, Bridges logged a solid 37.2% efficiency on 7.2 attempts per game. Additionally, his prowess in catch-and-shoot situations saw him ranked seventh in the league for attempts, sinking 38.4% of those shots. Despite these impressive stats, the current dip in his form suggests underlying foundational issues.
Bridges himself has alluded to persistent mechanical hiccups in his shooting form—a concern stemming from 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 disclosed. The continuous journey of refining his shot indicates both a determination and a long-standing challenge. He elaborated, "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."
The New York Knicks' offseason acquisition of Bridges, involving trading five first-round picks, solidified their belief in his potential to be a key player. This move speaks volumes about the organization’s faith in Bridges’ skill set and what he brings to the table. It underscores the importance of his recovery from this shooting slump, as the team anticipates his increased contribution on the court.
Preseason games often serve as a laboratory for experimentation and adjusting to new team dynamics. Players can afford a certain margin for error as they try different shooting techniques and on-court strategies, especially after changing teams or roles. For Bridges, the preseason is an opportunity to iron out mechanical flaws while acclimating to the Knicks' system.
Indeed, the pressure cooker atmosphere of the NBA is familiar to Bridges, whose career thus far suggests resilience. When deterred by mechanical issues before, he did not shy away but rather leaned into the painstaking work of correction and improvement. While some may view his preseason performance as concerning, others see it as part of his journey towards overcoming the seven-year itch that has intermittently affected his shot since his college tenure.
Despite the preseason struggles, Bridges' track record encourages optimism. Known for delivering under pressure and revitalizing key games with crucial three-pointers, he has built a reputation as a reliable shooter. His career numbers are testimony to his resilience and ability to adapt—a trait that would suggest his current slump is more a hurdle than a roadblock.
As the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on how Bridges navigates this challenging period. His success will not only impact the Knicks’ performance but also echo the broader narrative of an athlete's relentless pursuit of excellence. Through understanding and addressing the nuances of his shooting form, Bridges can aspire to restore his standing as a top-tier shooter, making every three-pointer count in the process.