For Mikal Bridges, a marksman known for his downtown prowess, the court has been both sanctuary and puzzle. With a career average of 37.5% from three-point range, his ability to score beyond the arc is not in question. Yet, recent performances, particularly in the preseason, suggest that consistency remains an elusive goal for the newly-acquired New York Knick.
A Troubling Trend
Bridges' recent shooting slump has taken center stage, especially after his performance in a preseason game against the Washington Wizards, where he failed to convert any of his 10 three-point attempts. Throughout the preseason, he managed just 2 of 19, casting a shadow over his historically steady shooting record. Despite never dropping below a 36.1% three-point shooting percentage across any NBA season, this preseason figure is a blip many hope will quickly disappear once the regular season begins.
The Brooklyn Nets Chapter
Last season, Bridges suited up for the Brooklyn Nets and displayed formidable three-point efficiency. Averaging 37.2% on 7.2 attempts per game, he was a steady contributor from beyond the arc. Notably, he ranked seventh in the NBA for catch-and-shoot attempts, recording 5.6 per game and converting 38.4% of those chances—a testament to his ability to remain effective without monopolizing the ball.
Mechanical Challenges
Yet, beneath these numbers lies a technical narrative that has haunted Bridges since college: his shooting mechanics. “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 openly reflected. His journey with a shooting hitch—a small, involuntary movement interrupting his shot—has been ongoing. “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,” he recounted, capturing the essence of his protracted battle with form.
A New Chapter with the Knicks
The stakes have only grown higher with his move to the New York Knicks. The franchise acquired Bridges in the offseason at a hefty cost, parting with five first-round picks in the process. This transaction underscores the faith the Knicks' front office has placed in Bridges' ability to be a key component moving forward. The preseason serves as a period for experimentation and adjustment, yet for Bridges, these few games have turned into a diagnostic review of both his strengths and areas needing improvement.
As the NBA season looms, Mikal Bridges stands as a player on the precipice of potential and expectation. His career numbers offer optimism, while his ongoing battle with his shot mechanics demands patience and perseverance. For the Knicks and their fans, hope remains that the sharp-shooter’s approach to problem-solving will not only bring solutions but lead to triumphant arcs from the corners of Madison Square Garden.