In the so homogeneous collective of UNITED STATES, it is of course complicated for American players to be as productive and/or efficient in selection as in the NBA. Moreover, Brandon Ingram’s difficulties have proven this, while Mikal Bridges also struggled to find his place in Steve Kerr’s attack, contenting himself only with the crumbs left by his teammates, like when he played for Phoenix.
Except that for a few matches, the winger of the net clearly picking up speed, lining up three outings with at least 10 points, the last of which at… 24 units against Italy! enough to help Team USA to recover brilliantly from their surprise defeat against Lithuania.
A performance of choice from Mikal Bridges, who let the game come to him and who therefore constantly punished the Italian defense, which was completely overwhelmed. Even though he was not specifically looking to score originally…
” I stay aggressive, that’s what it is », did he react afterwards. ” Honestly, even coming in tonight, I was really focused on rebounding. That’s kind of what I’ve been missing [cet été en sélection] and what I generally lack. »
A permanent threat, on each side
Renowned for his defensive qualities since his debut in the NBA, blue-collar Mikal Bridges has apparently been commissioned by his coach (and by his ego?) to correct the problems with the rebound of the United States. Hence this initial desire to focus on this aspect of the game in the quarter-finals.
But against Italy, the former Suns player has shown that he can also punish offensively, especially if his defenders allow themselves to neglect him a little too much. The proof is: this 4/6 from 3-pointers which deeply hurt Gianmarco Pozzecco’s men.
” They’re my teammates, they serve me and that’s the most important thing, so all the credit goes to them “, However, wanted to remind the main interested party.
Teammates who themselves could only be delighted at the idea of seeing Mikal Bridges blaze like this at the best of times. That is to say in a knockout match.
” He is amazing and I saw him from the first day I met him, almost ten years ago “, rejoiced for example Jalen Brunson, one of three Wildcats on the roster. ” The way he evolved and how he worked every day… It was a godsend to be able to observe him. It’s a godsend to be his friend. »
Address in all areas
” He does it in the NBA, wherever he plays “added his side Paolo Banchero, particularly scrutinized this Tuesday. ” With this kind of guy, you already know what he’s going to do in defense and attack. If he has a good opportunity, he will get hot and he will succeed in actions. »
For his first international campaign with Team USA, Mikal Bridges brings so far 12.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals on average, without forcing anything (63% in shooting, including 50% at 3-pointers, and 86% in throws- francs). The kind of perfect player for this major meeting, which he necessarily hopes will be synonymous with success on arrival…
” It’s awesome. The fans, all of this is just amazing. It’s a godsend to be in this situation… But the work is not yet finished. I think I’ll enjoy the experience more when we go home with the gold medal around our necks. »
| Mikal Bridges | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2018-19 | PHX | 82 | 30 | 43.0 | 33.5 | 80.5 | 0.7 | 2.5 | 3.2 | 2.1 | 2.5 | 1.6 | 0.9 | 0.5 | 8.3 |
| 2019-20 | PHX | 73 | 28 | 51.0 | 36.1 | 84.4 | 0.9 | 3.1 | 4.0 | 1.8 | 2.2 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 9.1 |
| 2020-21 | PHX | 72 | 33 | 54.3 | 42.5 | 84.0 | 1.1 | 3.2 | 4.3 | 2.1 | 1.6 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 13.5 |
| 2021-22 | PHX | 82 | 35 | 53.4 | 36.9 | 83.4 | 0.9 | 3.3 | 4.2 | 2.3 | 1.8 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 14.2 |
| 2022-23 * | All Teams | 83 | 36 | 46.8 | 38.2 | 89.5 | 1.0 | 3.4 | 4.4 | 3.3 | 1.9 | 1.1 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 20.1 |
| 2022-23 * | PHX | 56 | 36 | 46.3 | 38.7 | 89.7 | 1.0 | 3.3 | 4.3 | 3.6 | 2.1 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 0.8 | 17.2 |
| 2022-23 * | BRK | 27 | 34 | 47.5 | 37.6 | 89.4 | 0.9 | 3.6 | 4.5 | 2.7 | 1.6 | 1.0 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 26.2 |
| Total | 392 | 32 | 49.5 | 37.6 | 85.7 | 0.9 | 3.1 | 4.0 | 2.3 | 2.0 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 13.2 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
