Eleven points averaged 41% on shots, including 11% from 3-point range (2 out of 19). It was the mediocre record of Mikal Bridges in preseason, and the new Knicks winger barely survived in the big opening defeat against the Celtics: 17 points on 7 of 13 shots, but 2 of 7 on 3-pointers. For his big debut in front of his new audience, he was closely observed, and the click may have happened since he compiled 21 points on 8 out of 12 shots with a 2 out of 3 from 3-point range against the Pacers.
“I always have confidence in myself. It's for others to worry.” he replied about his shooting performance. “That first one was deadly. There was excitement, and I’m happy with the victory.”
Not very talkative, Mikal Bridges leaves the floor to his coach Tom Thibodeau. The latter is one of the people who did not pay much attention to the winger's clumsiness.
“When you think about it logically, I think today, with social media, everyone wants to have an opinion on everything,” reminds the coach. “Still, the guy trains every day, and when you watch him work, you know how hard he puts in. No one can be skillful for 82 matches. A lot of times in preseason you're trying to work and find a rhythm, you're trying to understand a new system and new teammates. And every day it gets better and better. But if you think about it logically, he's a player who shoots almost 38% from 3-point range during his career, and I would bet on him.”
For Mikal Bridges, the most important thing is that the attack is going well, and that danger continues to come from everywhere. Tonight, the Knicks won against the Pacers with four players at 20 points or more.
“We all have talent, and we all try to make the right reading”he concludes. “It happens that a player has a size advantage throughout the match and attacks him. I don't think any of us really care about that. We're just trying to win and play together on both ends of the floor. »
