New York Knicks ahead Mikal Bridges, who was traded from Brooklyn to New York over the summer time, has been adapting to a recent set of tasks on each offense and protection this season.
As detailed by Chris Herring for ESPN.com, these modifications have required Bridges to regulate his recreation in notable methods. Offensively, the participant’s position has shifted considerably in comparison with his time with the Nets.
His ball-handling duties have decreased, together with his touches dropping by almost 20%, resulting in the bottom utilization price he’s skilled since his final full season in Phoenix.
Defensively, the changes have been equally placing. As a substitute of guarding bigger wings, Bridges is now incessantly tasked with defending smaller guards, usually on the level of assault.
This shift means he spends extra time navigating screens and pursuing faster gamers.
“Groups wished to attempt attacking him, as a result of it was a unique spot for him; particularly early on,” one Western Convention scout instructed Herring.
“In the event you acquired previous him initially, you might drive all types of aggressive rotations as a result of the group was nonetheless getting used to having (Karl-Anthony) Cities on the rim. And the collective belief didn’t seem like it was there.”
Regardless of these challenges, Bridges has began to search out his rhythm, notably on offense. After an uneven begin to the season, his efficiency has improved significantly since December.
Over that stretch, he has averaged 20.0 factors per recreation whereas capturing a powerful .523 from the sphere, .385 from past the arc, and .757 from the free-throw line.
Tuesday’s recreation marks the Knicks’ first go to to Brooklyn this season, permitting Bridges to reunite together with his former group. Reflecting on the matchup, Bridges expressed his eagerness to return.
“It’ll be simply good to be again,” he stated on Monday, as quoted by Stefan Bondy of The New York Publish. “To see my teammates and the teaching employees that was there for a pair months earlier than I acquired traded. See the employees and everyone. Good power.”
Knicks Notes: Bridges, Cities, Hart, Shamet, Robinson https://t.co/bF11jQhHtT pic.twitter.com/DiHSbfPeV7
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 21, 2025
