Mikal Bridges Faces Shooting Challenges but Remains Resolute
Mikal Bridges, a sharpshooter known for his prowess from beyond the arc, is navigating a challenging preseason as he adjusts to his new surroundings with the New York Knicks. Certain to catch the attention of fans and analysts alike is his recent performance, or lack thereof, from three-point range. However, one preseason slump does not overshadow a career built on consistent long-range shooting.
Bridges’ three-point shooting has been a notable strength since he entered the NBA, boasting a commendable career average of 37.5%. Over the years, he has maintained a remarkable consistency, never dipping below 36.1% in any given season. Last year, while playing for the Brooklyn Nets, Bridges maintained his excellence, shooting 37.2% on an average of 7.2 attempts per game. His proficiency in catch-and-shoot scenarios is particularly impressive, ranking seventh in the league with 5.6 attempts per game and converting 38.4% of those opportunities.
Despite his historical shooting efficiency, Bridges recently found himself in a slump, going 2 of 19 from beyond the arc across four preseason games. An especially tough outing against the Washington Wizards saw him miss all ten of his attempts. This period, often used by players for experimentation and adjustments, has exposed some lingering mechanical issues in Bridges’ shooting technique—issues that date back to his college days.
Bridges has candidly addressed these mechanical struggles, offering insight into the complexities of an NBA player’s development. "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," he reflected. Bridges admitted that alterations to his form began early on, stating, "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 challenge for Bridges now, as he transitions to playing with the Knicks, is finding consistency and confidence in his shooting form. The Knicks have high expectations, having traded five first-round picks to acquire the seasoned wing player. His ability to rediscover his shooting touch will play a critical role in achieving the success both he and the team are aiming for. Preseason jitters aside, Bridges’ determination to overcome his shooting woes could well be one of the stories to watch as the regular season unfolds.
For Bridges, the preseason is not just an adjustment period but a chance to hone and rectify the technical aspects of his game that have been a work in progress for nearly a decade. His stats speak to a player who can perform at an elite level even amidst challenges. The Knicks, and their hopeful fans, will be eager to see if Bridges can synchronize his shooting mechanics with his natural talent and continue his streak of consistent three-point proficiency.
As the regular season approaches, the onus is on Bridges to not only meet the expectations set by his past performances but to break through the current hurdles with resilience and tenacity. Whether he emerges stronger from this preseason test will be crucial—not just for personal redemption, but for the broader aspirations of his new team. Indeed, the stakes are high for this polished shooter to find his groove and help the Knicks rise to the occasion in a highly competitive league.