Bridges Faces Shooting Struggles in Preseason Slump
Mikal Bridges, known for his prowess beyond the arc, finds himself grappling with his shooting form as the New York Knicks prepare for a hopeful NBA season. Since entering the league, Bridges has been distinguished by his consistently high three-point shooting average, boasting a career mark of 37.5%. Yet, recent preseason performances have cast a shadow over his normally reliable shooting touch.
Bridges' arrival in New York came with significant expectations. The Knicks traded five first-round picks to secure his talents, a testament to his potential impact on the team. However, in a recent preseason matchup against the Washington Wizards, Bridges' shooting was nowhere near his heralded standards. Missing all ten of his three-point attempts, his performance was part of a concerning trend. Over four preseason games, Bridges shot a dismal 2 of 19 from deep, starkly contrasting with the proficiency he's known for.
Despite these struggles, Bridges' history in the league serves as a testament to his capabilities. Never having dipped below a 36.1% three-point shooting percentage in any regular season, the sharpshooter has been a consistent threat from long range. Last season with the Brooklyn Nets, he maintained a respectable 37.2% efficiency from beyond the arc on a demanding seven attempts per game.
His mechanics have been a talking point since his college days, where a "hitch" in his form first emerged. "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 candidly shared. "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."
This preseason, which serves as a critical time for players to experiment and adjust, has seen Bridges working diligently to refine his form. Despite the recent slump, his previous accolades provide a foundation upon which the Knicks remain hopeful. Notably, Bridges was a standout in the catch-and-shoot category last season, ranking seventh in attempts across the NBA and converting 38.4% of those opportunities. Such statistics reinforce the notion that his slump may be a temporary setback rather than a permanent decline.
As the regular season looms, the Knicks are counting on Bridges to overcome his shooting woes. With the pressure of hefty expectations, he remains committed to re-establishing his shooting rhythm. The blend of high stakes and a new team environment could either fuel a resurgence or further highlight the mechanical issues that have lingered since his college years.
When considering Bridges' past performances, it's essential to remember his resilience and skill, factors that have driven his NBA journey thus far. While the preseason struggles may be troubling, his history suggests he has the capability to adjust and thrive. With the Knicks banking heavily on his contribution to their offensive strategy, Bridges’ journey this season will be closely watched not only by team fans but by the league at large. A solution to his shooting challenges could make all the difference as the Knicks aim for success.