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topicnews · October 23, 2024

Mikal Bridges stats today: Knicks fans are sounding the alarm about the forward’s jump shot in the season opener

Mikal Bridges stats today: Knicks fans are sounding the alarm about the forward’s jump shot in the season opener

Mikal Bridges’ regular season debut for the Knicks couldn’t have started much worse.

The $90.9 million man endured the first 24 minutes of hell against the Celtics, watching shot after shot miss the target. The changes to his jump shot were particularly noticeable – always a bit awkward, but rarely ineffective.

It wasn’t a good sight for those watching. They made sure to reiterate this and used X – the website formerly known as Twitter – to air their concerns.

Here’s what you need to know about Bridges, his performance against the Celtics and the breakdown that’s got Knicks fans talking.

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Mikal Bridges stats against Celtics

Result: Celtics 132, Knicks 109

  • Points: 16
  • rebounds: 0
  • Supports:2
  • Steals: 0
  • Blocks: 0
  • Sales: 1
  • FGs: 7-13
  • 3Ps: 2-7

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Why Knicks fans are worried about Mikal Bridges

Tuesday’s outing prompted legions of New York supporters to express concern about Bridges’ acquisition. The main reason for this? His shooting.

Bridges went scoreless in the first half of Tuesday’s contest and saw each of his four three-point shots bounce off the rim.

He’s never had the NBA’s best shooting form, but it’s always been effective, as Bridges has shot 37.5 percent from distance over his career and over 40 percent in one season.

In recent weeks, his shot – enhanced by a jolt as he reaches his apex – has caused quite a stir on social media. Knicks fans first noticed Bridges’ shot looked different during an offseason practice video.

During the Knicks’ preseason win over Minnesota, Wolves star Anthony Edwards criticized Bridges for his change in form.

Warning: The following video contains offensive language.

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However, Bridges’ form on his solo three-pointer against the Timberwolves looked good, as if his shot had a natural flow to it when he can’t take the time to line it up.

It’s unclear what has changed for Bridges – whether he’s compensating for an injury or intentionally changing his form – but his shot didn’t have this problem before.

Slow starts are part of basketball. Just last year, Julius Randle had one of the worst shooting percentages in NBA history to start a season. He eventually turned things around and was named to a third All-Star team.

Bridges found his rhythm in the second half, scoring seven of his next eight attempts, two of which came from beyond the arc.

Time will tell if these inconsistencies will continue to show up in Bridges’ game as the year progresses. But his performance in the first half certainly raised questions for the 28-year-old winger.

MORE: Three reasons the Knicks’ new roster is the Celtics’ kryptonite

Trading details of Mikal Bridges

Knicks received:

  • Mikal Bridges
  • Unprotected pick swap

Nets received:

  • Bojan Bogdanovic
  • Four unprotected first-round picks
  • Bucks protected first-round pick
  • Second round pick
  • Unprotected pick swap

The Knicks sent a number of picks to the Nets along with Bogdanovic to acquire Bridges.

Bridges joins Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart as the latest members of the 2016-17 Villanova team to join the Knicks. Bridges and Brunson were also all together on the team that won the 2017-18 national championship.

The Knicks acquired Bogdanovic at the 2024 NBA trade deadline, acquiring him and Alec Burks from the Pistons in exchange for Quentin Grimes, Malachi Flynn, Evan Fournier, Ryan Arcidiacono and two second-round picks.

Bogdanovic did not start a game for the Knicks during the regular season. He played four playoff games for New York, coming off the bench in each one.

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