Mikal Bridges
{{distinguish|Miles Bridges}}
{{Short description|American basketball player (born 1996)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Infobox basketball biography
| name = Mikal Bridges
| image = Mikal Bridges, April 2024.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Bridges in April 2024
| position = Shooting guard / small forward
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 6
| weight_lbs = 209
| league = NBA
| team = New York Knicks
| number = 25
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1996|08|30}}
| birth_place = Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
| high_school = Great Valley
(Malvern, Pennsylvania)
| college = Villanova (2015–2018)
| draft_year = 2018
| draft_round = 1
| draft_pick = 10
| draft_team = Philadelphia 76ers
| career_start = 2018
| years1 = {{nbay|2018|start}}–{{nbay|2022|end}}
| team1 = Phoenix Suns
| years2 = {{nbay|2022|end}}–{{nbay|2023|end}}
| team2 = Brooklyn Nets
| years3 = {{nbay|2024|start}}–present
| team3 = New York Knicks
| highlights = * NBA All-Defensive First Team ({{nbay|2021|end}})
- 2× NCAA champion (2016, 2018)
- Third-team All-American – AP, SN, NABC (2018)
- Julius Erving Award (2018)
- First-team All-Big East (2018)
- Second-team All-Big East (2017)
- Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year (2017)
- Big East tournament MVP (2018)
}}
Mikal Bridges ({{IPAc-en|m|ɪ|ˈ|k|ɛ|l}} {{respelling|mih|KEL}};{{cite press release|title=2023-24 start of season NBA pronunciation guide|url=https://www.nba.com/news/2023-24-start-of-season-nba-pronunciation-guide|website=NBA.com|date=October 24, 2023|access-date=May 17, 2024}} born August 30, 1996) is an American professional basketball player for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Villanova Wildcats, winning national championships in 2016 and 2018. Bridges was selected with the tenth overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2018 NBA draft before being traded to the Phoenix Suns on draft night, where he was a part of the team that reached the 2021 NBA Finals. He was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in February 2023 and was later traded to the Knicks in July 2024. Nicknamed “the Warden”, Bridges holds the active record for the most consecutive games played, having not missed a game in his NBA career since being drafted.
Early life
Bridges is the son of Jack Bridges and Tyneeha Rivers, who gave birth to him at the age of 19 and raised him as a single mother.{{Cite news |last=Berman |first=Marc |date=June 18, 2018 |title=How Mikal Bridges' mom raised the Knicks' ideal draft pick |work=New York Post |url=https://nypost.com/2018/06/18/how-mikal-bridges-mom-raised-the-knicks-ideal-draft-pick/ |access-date=January 13, 2020 |archive-date=July 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705082942/https://nypost.com/2018/06/18/how-mikal-bridges-mom-raised-the-knicks-ideal-draft-pick/ |url-status=live }} He grew up in Overbrook, Philadelphia, and nearby neighborhoods. He moved to Malvern, Pennsylvania in middle school. His second cousin is former La Salle player Tyrone Garland.{{Cite news |last=Jensen |first=Mike |date=March 28, 2018 |title=Villanova's Mikal Bridges, La Salle hero Tyrone Garland share a bond beyond March Madness |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/march-madness-villanova-mikal-bridges-la-salle-southwest-philly-floater-cousins-20180328.html |url-status=dead |access-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329054336/http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/march-madness-villanova-mikal-bridges-la-salle-southwest-philly-floater-cousins-20180328.html |archive-date=March 29, 2018}}
High school career
Bridges attended Great Valley High School in Malvern, Pennsylvania, where he was coached by Jim Nolan.{{Cite news |last=Toohey |first=Terry |date=March 16, 2017 |title=Bridges stood tall when Villanova needed him most |work=Delaware County Daily Times |url=http://www.delcotimes.com/sports/20170316/bridges-stood-tall-when-villanova-needed-him-most |access-date=July 6, 2017 |archive-date=February 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210180238/http://www.delcotimes.com/sports/20170316/bridges-stood-tall-when-villanova-needed-him-most |url-status=live }} He began to get serious about basketball in his sophomore year when he had a growth spurt to reach 6–6. As a junior, he averaged 20 points and eight rebounds per game. During his senior season, he was named First Team All-Class AAAA. He posted averages of 18.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.4 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game as a senior. Bridges was named to the Philadelphia Inquirer's All-Southeastern Pa., boys basketball first team as a senior. In his career, he had 1,340 points and 511 rebounds. Coming out of high school, he was ranked by ESPNU as the 82nd best player nationally, and committed to Villanova in June 2013.{{Cite web |title=Mikal Bridges Bio |url=http://www.villanova.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/mikal_bridges_919017.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141145/http://www.villanova.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/mikal_bridges_919017.html |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |access-date=April 12, 2016 |website=Villanova Wildcats}}{{Cite web |title=Mikal Bridges, Villanova Wildcats, Small Forward |url=https://247sports.com/player/mikal-bridges-30556 |access-date=April 12, 2016 |website=247Sports |archive-date=March 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330181249/http://247sports.com/player/mikal-bridges-30556 |url-status=live }}
College career
=Freshman year=
Bridges redshirted his freshman season and assisted in scouting players.{{Cite news |last=Frank |first=Reuben |date=March 16, 2016 |title=NCAA Tournament: Mikal Bridges, from redshirt to 'vital part' |work=CSN Philly |url=http://www.csnphilly.com/ncaa/ncaa-tournament-mikal-bridges-redshirt-vital-part |access-date=July 5, 2017 |archive-date=August 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801205013/http://www.csnphilly.com/ncaa/ncaa-tournament-mikal-bridges-redshirt-vital-part |url-status=live }} In his first year with Villanova, he appeared in all 40 games for the Wildcats. He said he had to do a lot of weightlifting and change his three-point shot. He had a key role coming off the bench in the 2016 NCAA tournament, scoring 11 points in a Final Four rout of the Oklahoma Sooners. Bridges won the NCAA championship along with his teammates for the school for the first time since 1985. He averaged 6.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game as a freshman. "He came in as a high school scoring phenom like they all do, so I'm really proud of how he has opened up his game defensively," coach Jay Wright said.{{Cite news |last=Frank |first=Reuben |date=March 14, 2017 |title=For Villanova, Mikal Bridges Has Become A Defensive Specialist |work=CSN Philly |url=http://www.csnphilly.com/villanova-wildcats/villanova-mikal-bridges-has-become-defensive-specialist |access-date=July 5, 2017 |archive-date=June 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618172853/http://www.csnphilly.com/villanova-wildcats/villanova-mikal-bridges-has-become-defensive-specialist |url-status=live }}
=Sophomore year=
File:20170213 Villanova-Depaul Mikal Bridges on the move.jpg
Coming into the 2016–17 season, Bridges was slated to be the team's sixth man but started every game after Phil Booth went down with a knee injury in November. As a sophomore, Joe Juliano of The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote, "If there is such a thing as a five-tool player in college basketball, Mikal Bridges is the model."{{Cite news |last=Juliano |first=Joe |date=March 6, 2017 |title=Mikal Bridges doing a little bit of everything for Villanova |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/colleges/villanova/20170307_Mikal_Bridges_doing_a_little_bit_of_everything_for_Villanova.html |access-date=July 5, 2017 |archive-date=March 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311212414/http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/colleges/villanova/20170307_Mikal_Bridges_doing_a_little_bit_of_everything_for_Villanova.html |url-status=live }} He became well-regarded as a lanky forward who could score and play excellent defense and often guarded the opposing team's best player. In the NCAA Tournament, he scored 13 points to help Villanova to a first round victory over Mount St. Mary's. Bridges averaged 9.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while making 54 percent of his field goal attempts and 39 percent of three point tries. He improved his scoring as the season progressed, averaging 12.3 points in his last 12 games of the regular season. Along with Creighton's Khyri Thomas and teammate Josh Hart, Bridges was one of three Big East defensive player of the year honorees, being third in the conference in steals with 1.9 per game.
=Junior year=
He was named to the 2017–18 preseason All-Big East second team.{{Cite web |date=October 18, 2017 |title=Villanova Viewed As League Favorite Again |url=http://www.bigeast.com/news/2017/10/18/mens-basketball-villanova-viewed-as-league-favorite-again.aspx |access-date=October 27, 2017 |website=BigEast.com |publisher=Big East Conference |archive-date=October 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027125522/http://www.bigeast.com/news/2017/10/18/mens-basketball-villanova-viewed-as-league-favorite-again.aspx |url-status=live }} Bridges hit all six 3-point tries in a 24-point performance against Lafayette on November 17.{{Cite news |date=November 17, 2017 |title=Bridges perfect from 3, No. 5 Villanova blows out Lafayette |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400988425 |access-date=January 16, 2018 |archive-date=January 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117131122/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400988425 |url-status=live }} On December 4, he scored a career-high 28 points to go with six rebounds and two blocks in an 88–72 victory over Gonzaga.{{Cite news |last=Stubbs |first=Roman |date=December 5, 2017 |title=Villanova's Mikal Bridges puts on a show at Madison Square Garden |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2017/12/05/villanovas-mikal-bridges-put-on-a-show-at-madison-square-garden/ |access-date=December 5, 2017 |archive-date=December 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207020326/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2017/12/05/villanovas-mikal-bridges-put-on-a-show-at-madison-square-garden/ |url-status=live }} Bridges scored 23 points in an overtime win against Seton Hall on March 2, 2018.{{Cite news |last=Juliano |first=Joe |date=March 3, 2018 |title=For Villanova's Mikal Bridges, there's more to success than talent |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/colleges/villanova/mikal-bridges-villanova-basketball-great-valley-high-school-nba-draft-prospect-20180227.html |access-date=March 26, 2018 |archive-date=March 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327024942/http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/colleges/villanova/mikal-bridges-villanova-basketball-great-valley-high-school-nba-draft-prospect-20180227.html |url-status=live }} At the conclusion of the regular season, he joined Jalen Brunson on the All-Big East first team.{{Cite news |date=March 4, 2018 |title=Bluiett, Brunson, Martin unanimous Big East first team |work=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2018/03/04/bluiett-brunson-martin-unanimous-big-east-first-team/111086824/ |access-date=March 31, 2018 |archive-date=April 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401004107/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2018/03/04/bluiett-brunson-martin-unanimous-big-east-first-team/111086824/ |url-status=live }} He was named MVP of the Big East tournament after scoring 28 points in the title game, a 76–66 overtime win over Providence.{{Cite news |last=Juliano |first=Joe |date=March 10, 2018 |title=Villanova spurts late in overtime, wins Big East title, 76–66, over Providence |work=Philadelphia Inquirer |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/colleges/villanova/villanova-76-providence-66-overtime-big-east-championship-jalen-brunson-mikal-bridges-20180310.html |access-date=March 31, 2018 |archive-date=April 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401075046/http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/colleges/villanova/villanova-76-providence-66-overtime-big-east-championship-jalen-brunson-mikal-bridges-20180310.html |url-status=live }}
As a junior Bridges averaged 17.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game on 51 percent shooting, including 43.5 percent on 3-pointers. He received the Julius Erving Award for best small forward.{{Cite news |last=Pascoe |first=Bruce |date=April 7, 2018 |title=Arizona's Ayton Wins Karl Malone Award |page=B004 |work=Arizona Daily Star |location=Tucson, Arizona |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/29323015/arizona_daily_star/ |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=March 9, 2019 |archive-date=March 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329234201/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/29323015/arizona_daily_star/ |url-status=live }} On April 10, 2018, Bridges announced his intention to forgo his final season of collegiate eligibility and declare for the 2018 NBA draft, where he was the 10th selection in the first round by the Philadelphia 76ers. He was later traded to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for the 16th pick, Zhaire Smith, and an unprotected 2021 first-round pick.{{Cite news |last=Wojnarowski |first=Adrian |date=April 10, 2018 |title=Villanova's Mikal Bridges to bypass final season, enter NBA draft |work=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23099657/villanova-wildcats-all-america-forward-mikal-bridges-bypass-senior-season-enter-nba-draft |access-date=April 10, 2018 |archive-date=April 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410201844/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23099657/villanova-wildcats-all-america-forward-mikal-bridges-bypass-senior-season-enter-nba-draft |url-status=live }}
Professional career
=Phoenix Suns (2018–2023)=
==Rookie and starting role (2018–2020)==
Bridges was selected with the tenth overall pick by his hometown team the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2018 NBA draft and was subsequently traded to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for the draft rights to Zhaire Smith and a 2021 first-round pick.{{Cite web |date=June 21, 2018 |title=Suns Add Ayton, Bridges, Okobo, King In 2018 NBA Draft |url=https://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/suns-add-ayton-bridges-okobo-king-2018-nba-draft |access-date=June 21, 2018 |website=Suns.com |archive-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708143357/https://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/suns-add-ayton-bridges-okobo-king-2018-nba-draft |url-status=live }} Bridges joined the Suns for the 2018 NBA Summer League.{{Cite web |date=July 1, 2018 |title=Suns Announce 2018 Summer League Roster |url=https://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/suns-announce-2018-summer-league-roster |access-date=July 13, 2021 |website=NBA.com |language=en |archive-date=November 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128142816/https://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/suns-announce-2018-summer-league-roster |url-status=live }} He signed a 4-year, $17.6 million rookie-scale contract with the Suns on July 6, 2018.{{cite web | url=https://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/phoenix-suns-sign-ayton-bridges-okoboking | title=Suns Sign Ayton, Bridges, Okobo, King | website=NBA.com | access-date=July 6, 2018 | archive-date=March 23, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323174349/https://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/phoenix-suns-sign-ayton-bridges-okoboking | url-status=live }} On October 6, it was announced that Bridges would miss the remainder of the preseason with an elbow injury.{{Cite news |last=Fitzgerald |first=Katherine |date=October 6, 2018 |title=Suns rookie Mikal Bridges likely out for rest of preseason with elbow injury |work=The Arizona Republic |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2018/10/06/suns-rookie-mikal-bridges-likely-out-rest-nba-preseason/1548981002/ |access-date=October 7, 2018 |archive-date=February 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209172251/https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2018/10/06/suns-rookie-mikal-bridges-likely-out-rest-nba-preseason/1548981002/ |url-status=live }}
Bridges played in the Suns' regular season opener to make his professional debut in a blowout 121–100 win over the Dallas Mavericks on October 17, 2018.{{Cite web |date=October 17, 2018 |title=Booker's late onslaught lifts Suns past Mavs 121–100 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401070216 |access-date=January 6, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106174151/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401070216 |url-status=live }} Three days later, Bridges recorded his first points, rebounds, and assists of his professional career with 10 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals in a blowout loss against the Denver Nuggets.{{Cite web |date=October 20, 2018 |title=Jokic's triple-double leads Nuggets past Suns 119–91 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401070716 |access-date=January 6, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210181740/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401070716 |url-status=live }} On November 14, he made his first career start in place of Trevor Ariza, scoring eight points in 25 minutes in a 116–96 win over the San Antonio Spurs.{{Cite web |date=November 14, 2018 |title=T.J. Warren scores 27 points, Suns beat Spurs 116–96 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070892 |access-date=January 6, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=November 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115113403/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070892 |url-status=live }} On February 2, 2019, Bridges recorded a season-high 20 points in a 118–112 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.{{Cite web |date=February 2, 2019 |title=Collins, Young lift Suns past Hawks, 118–112 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401070716 |access-date=January 6, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210181740/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401070716 |url-status=live }} On February 25, Bridges put up a season-high 8 assists to help the Suns break a franchise-record 17-game losing streak to win 124–121 over the Miami Heat.{{Cite web |date=February 25, 2019 |title=Forty-point fourth quarter helps Suns snap 17-game slide |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401071574 |access-date=January 6, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106175251/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401071574 |url-status=live }} From January 22 until March 6, Bridges would get at least one steal in each game played throughout that time. He became the first rookie since Chris Paul to obtain a steal per game throughout a 20-game stretch.{{Cite web |last=Sidery |first=Evan |date=March 6, 2019 |title=After that amazing effort on the last possession, Mikal Bridges is the first rookie since Chris Paul to have a steal streak extend to 20 games. |url=https://twitter.com/esidery/status/1103482838756646913 |access-date=July 13, 2021 |website=Twitter.com |language=en |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208161406/https://twitter.com/esidery/status/1103482838756646913 |url-status=live }} It was also the second-longest stretch for a rookie in franchise history behind Ron Lee.{{Cite web |date=May 18, 2019 |title=Mikal Bridges' Case for All-Rookie Selection |url=https://www.nba.com/suns/features/mikal-bridges-case-all-rookie-selection |access-date=July 13, 2021 |website=NBA.com |language=en |archive-date=July 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703062455/https://www.nba.com/suns/features/mikal-bridges-case-all-rookie-selection |url-status=live }} At the end of the season, Bridges became the only Suns player to play in all 82 games for the regular season.
On November 19, 2019, Bridges matched his career-high of 20 points in a 120–116 loss to the Sacramento Kings.{{Cite web |date=November 20, 2019 |title=Bogdanovic makes 7 3s, Kings hold off Suns 120–116 |url=https://www.nba.com/games/20191119/PHXSAC#/boxscore |access-date=December 16, 2019 |website=NBA.com |archive-date=September 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913064915/https://www.nba.com/games/20191119/PHXSAC#/boxscore |url-status=live }} On December 14, he grabbed a then career-high 10 rebounds in his first start of the 2019–20 NBA season in a 121–119 overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Mexico City.{{Cite web |date=December 14, 2019 |title=Mills hits winner, Spurs outlast Suns in record-setting OT |url=https://www.nba.com/games/20191214/SASPHX#/boxscore |access-date=December 16, 2019 |website=NBA.com |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215052434/https://www.nba.com/games/20191214/SASPHX#/boxscore |url-status=live }} Bridges then matched his then career-high 10 rebounds two days later in a 111–110 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.{{Cite web |last=Brandt |first=David |date=December 17, 2019 |title=Lillard converts late 3-point play, Blazers top Suns 111–110 |website=NBA.com |url=https://www.nba.com/games/20191216/PORPHX#/boxscore |access-date=December 17, 2019 |archive-date=September 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912221813/https://www.nba.com/games/20191216/PORPHX#/boxscore |url-status=live }} On January 18, Bridges scored a season-high 26 points on 6–8 three-point shooting in a 123–119 win over the Boston Celtics.{{Cite web |last=Powtak |first=Ken |date=January 18, 2020 |title=Suns overcome Smart's record 11 3s, beat Celtics 123–119 |url=https://www.nba.com/games/20200118/PHXBOS#/boxscore |access-date=January 21, 2020 |website=NBA.com |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804194951/https://www.nba.com/games/20200118/PHXBOS#/boxscore |url-status=live }} On March 8, Bridges got his first double-double with 21 points while matching his then career-high of 10 rebounds in a 140–131 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Theresa |date=March 8, 2020 |title=Booker, Rubio help Suns race past Giannis-less Bucks |url=https://www.nba.com/games/20200308/MILPHX#/recap |access-date=March 10, 2020 |website=NBA.com |archive-date=September 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913060111/https://www.nba.com/games/20200308/MILPHX#/recap |url-status=live }} In the 2020 NBA Bubble, Bridges started in all eight games at small forward for the Suns.{{Cite web |date=August 13, 2020 |title=Suns top Mavs to finish 8–0 in bubble, but fail to advance |url=https://www.nba.com/games/20200813/DALPHX#/recap |access-date=August 17, 2020 |website=NBA.com |archive-date=August 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813204318/https://www.nba.com/games/20200813/DALPHX#/recap |url-status=live }}
==Playoff success and trade (2021–2023)==
On January 9, 2021, Bridges set a new career-high of 34 points in a 125–117 win over the Indiana Pacers.{{Cite web |last=Marot |first=Michael |date=January 9, 2021 |title=Bridges Scores Career-High 34 Points In Victory Over Pacers (Bridges' big night helps Suns break through in Indiana) |url=https://www.nba.com/game/tor-vs-phx-0022000115 |access-date=January 9, 2021 |website=NBA.com |archive-date=January 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129034734/https://www.nba.com/game/tor-vs-phx-0022000115 |url-status=live }} He also helped the Suns start their season with a 7–3 record, their best 10-game start to a season since 2009. On May 13, Bridges posted a double-double with 21 points and a career-high 11 rebounds in a 118–117 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.{{Cite web |date=May 13, 2021 |title=Booker hits late free throws, Suns top Trail Blazers 118–117 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401307865 |access-date=January 6, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106170034/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401307865 |url-status=live }} During Game 2 of the 2021 NBA Finals, Bridges scored 27 points in a 118–108 win to give the Suns a 2–0 series lead. However, the Suns went on to lose the Finals in 6 games to the Milwaukee Bucks.
On October 17, 2021, Bridges and the Suns agreed to a 4-year, $90 million rookie contract extension.{{Cite web|date=2021-10-17|title=Agents: Suns' Bridges nets 4-yr, $90M extension|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/32418351/phoenix-suns-mikal-bridges-agree-four-year-90-million-rookie-contract-extension-agents-say|access-date=2021-10-23|website=ESPN.com|language=en|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020034702/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/32418351/phoenix-suns-mikal-bridges-agree-four-year-90-million-rookie-contract-extension-agents-say|url-status=live}} Bridges and the Suns finished the regular season with the league's best overall record at 64–18.{{Cite web |date=April 15, 2022 |title=NBA 2021-22 Regular Season Standings |url=https://www.nba.com/standings |access-date=April 15, 2022 |website=NBA.com |archive-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906011720/https://www.nba.com/standings |url-status=live }} Bridges received universal praise from players, coaches, fans, and reporters for his defense, finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting and being selected to his first All-Defensive First Team.{{Cite web |title=Boston's Marcus Smart wins 2021-22 Kia Defensive Player of the Year award |url=https://www.nba.com/news/bostons-marcus-smart-wins-2021-22-kia-defensive-player-of-the-year-award |access-date=April 25, 2022 |website=NBA |archive-date=April 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419012041/https://www.nba.com/news/bostons-marcus-smart-wins-2021-22-kia-defensive-player-of-the-year-award |url-status=live }} On April 26, 2022, Bridges scored a playoff career-high 31 points, including five rebounds and four blocks in a 112–97 Game 5 win against the New Orleans Pelicans.{{Cite web |date=April 27, 2022 |title=Mikal Bridges joins list of greats in powering Phoenix Suns to Game 5 win over New Orleans Pelicans |url=https://www.espn.com.au/nba/story/_/id/33813890/mikal-bridges-joins-list-greats-powering-phoenix-suns-game-5-win-new-orleans-pelicans |access-date=April 27, 2022 |website=ESPN |archive-date=April 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427080646/https://www.espn.com.au/nba/story/_/id/33813890/mikal-bridges-joins-list-greats-powering-phoenix-suns-game-5-win-new-orleans-pelicans |url-status=live }} In the Western Conference Semifinals, the Suns jumped to a 2–0 lead in the series against the Dallas Mavericks before losing in seven games.{{Cite web |date=May 16, 2022 |title=Mavericks cruise past Suns in stunning Game 7 victory |url=https://www.nba.com/game/dal-vs-phx-0042100227 |access-date=May 16, 2022 |website=NBA.com |archive-date=April 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429045236/https://www.nba.com/game/phx-vs-dal-0042100226 |url-status=live }}
On November 9, 2022, Bridges scored a season-high 31 points along with nine rebounds, five assists and four steals in a 129–117 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.{{Cite web |date=November 9, 2022 |title=Booker scores 32; Paul-less Suns beat Wolves 129–117 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468322 |access-date=January 6, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106172456/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468322 |url-status=live }} On November 16, He recorded a near triple-double with 23 points, 9 rebounds and a career-high 9 assists in a 130–119 win over the reigning champions Golden State Warriors.{{Cite web |date=November 16, 2022 |title=Curry scores 50 points, but Suns beat Warriors 130–119 |url=https://www.espn.com.au/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468375 |access-date=January 6, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106171014/https://www.espn.com.au/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468375 |url-status=live }}
=Brooklyn Nets (2023–2024)=
File:MikalBridgesNets (cropped).jpg
On February 9, 2023, the Suns traded Bridges to the Brooklyn Nets, along with Cameron Johnson, Jae Crowder, four unprotected first-round picks, and a 2028 first-round pick swap in exchange for Kevin Durant and T. J. Warren.{{cite web |title=Suns Complete Trade For Kevin Durant, T.J. Warren |url=https://www.nba.com/suns/news/suns-complete-trade-for-kevin-durant-t-j-warren |website=NBA.com|date=February 9, 2023|access-date=February 9, 2023}} Upon joining the Nets, he was given the nickname, Brooklyn Bridges, a pun on the Brooklyn Bridge.{{cite web |last1=Mahoney |first1=Brian |title=MIKAL BRIDGES SCORES CAREER-HIGH 45, NETS BEAT HEAT 116-105 |url=https://www.nba.com/game/mia-vs-bkn-0022200878 |website=NBA.com |access-date=16 February 2023}} On February 11, Bridges made his Nets debut, putting up 23 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals in a 101–98 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/nets-news-mikal-bridges-all-in-dope-nickname-in-brooklyn-debut|title=Mikal Bridges is all-in on 'dope' nickname after Nets debut|website=ClutchPoints|last=Salao|first=R.P.|date=February 12, 2023|access-date=February 12, 2023}} On February 15, Bridges scored a career-high 45 points in a 116–105 win over the Miami Heat.{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/nets-news-mikal-bridges-going-off-for-45-vs-heat-has-brooklyn-fans-going-bonkers|title=Mikal Bridges going OFF for 45 vs. Heat has Brooklyn fans going bonkers|website=ClutchPoints|last=Villas|first=Rexwell|date=February 15, 2023|access-date=February 15, 2023}} On March 26, Bridges scored 44 points in a 119–106 loss against the Orlando Magic.{{Cite web |title=Magic overcome 44 points by Bridges, beat Nets 119–106 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401469273 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |date=March 26, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en-US}}
On April 3, Bridges took home his first NBA Player of the Week honor in his career. He led the Nets to an undefeated 3–0 week with averages of 33 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.3 steals in wins against the Rockets, Hawks and Jazz. He recorded his third career 40-point game (all since being traded to the Nets) in the win over Atlanta, scoring 42 points.{{Cite web |title=Anthony Davis, Mikal Bridges named NBA Players of the Week |url=https://www.nba.com/news/anthony-davis-mikal-bridges-named-nba-players-of-the-week |access-date=April 10, 2023 |website=NBA.com|date=April 3, 2023}} On April 9, Bridges played his 83rd game of the season, becoming the 42nd player in NBA history to play 83 or more games during the regular season, and the first since Josh Smith in the 2014–15 season.{{cite web |last1=Mahone |first1=Brian |title=Nets’ Mikal Bridges starts 83rd game of season, extends streak to 392 |url=https://www.nba.com/news/nets-mikal-bridges-starts-83rd-game-of-season-extends-streak-to-392 |website=NBA.com |access-date=April 10, 2023 |date=April 9, 2023}} As of the conclusion of the 2023–24 season, Bridges still holds the active record for the most consecutive games played with 494, making him the current iron man.{{Citation |title=Mikal Bridges plays 4 seconds to keep his consecutive games streak alive 💯 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bo_FqPJlCys |access-date=2023-04-09}}
On December 2, 2023, Bridges put up 42 points, with 26 of those coming in the first quarter, in a 129–102 win over the Orlando Magic.{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/nets-news-mikal-bridges-historic-first-half-vs-magic-draws-strong-jacque-vaughn-reaction|title=Nets: Mikal Bridges' historic first half vs. Magic draws strong Jacque Vaughn reaction|website=ClutchPoints|last=Slater|first=Erik|date=December 2, 2023|access-date=December 3, 2023}} On December 6, Bridges put up 30 points alongside a game-winning jumpshot in a 114–113 win over the Atlanta Hawks.{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/nets-news-mikal-bridges-lead-nba-key-clutch-category-after-game-winner-vs-hawks|title=Nets' Mikal Bridges leads NBA in key clutch category after game-winner vs. Hawks|website=ClutchPoints|last=Slater|first=Erik|date=December 6, 2023|access-date=December 6, 2023}}
=New York Knicks (2024–present)=
On July 6, 2024, Bridges was traded to the New York Knicks along with Keita Bates-Diop in exchange for Bojan Bogdanović, Shake Milton, Mamadi Diakite, five future first-round picks, a first-round pick swap, and a second-round pick.{{cite web|title=Alec Burks, Bojan Bogdanovic Acquired by New York Knicks|url=https://www.nba.com/knicks/news/mikal-bridges-acquired-in-trade-with-brooklyn-nets|website=NBA.com|date=July 6, 2024|access-date=July 7, 2024}} The trade reunited Bridges with his former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, with the group given the nickname the "Villanova Knicks" or "Nova Knicks".{{cite web|first=Christian|last=Arnold|title=Villanova Knicks can’t contain their excitement after Mikal Bridges blockbuster trade: ‘This is crazy’|url=https://nypost.com/2024/06/25/sports/josh-hart-jalen-brunson-react-to-knicks-mikal-bridges-trade/|website=NYPost.com|access-date=July 10, 2024}}
On October 22, 2024, Bridges made his Knicks debut, putting up 16 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the field and 2-of-7 from three-point range in a 132–109 loss to the Boston Celtics.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/whats-wrong-with-mikal-bridges-new-knicks-star-stumbles-then-recovers-with-jump-shot-in-season-debut-014148550.html|title=What's wrong with Mikal Bridges? New Knicks star stumbles then recovers with jump shot in season debut|website=Yahoo Sports|last=Baer|first=Jack|date=October 23, 2024|access-date=December 26, 2024}} On December 25, Bridges put up 41 points in a 117–114 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Christmas Day.{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/knicks-josh-hart-asks-for-mikal-bridges-apology-forms-after-40-point-game|title=Knicks' Josh Hart asks for Mikal Bridges apology forms after 40-point game|website=ClutchPoints|last=Bologna|first=Ryan|date=December 25, 2024|access-date=December 25, 2024}} On March 12, Bridges scored 33 points and hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer in overtime to secure a 114–113 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/mikal-bridges-drills-perfect-buzzer-beater-to-lift-knicks-past-trail-blazers-in-ot-050900744.html|title=Mikal Bridges drills perfect buzzer-beater to lift Knicks past Trail Blazers in OT|website=Yahoo Sports|last=Young|first=Ryan|date=March 12, 2025|access-date=March 12, 2025}}
National team career
Bridges was a member of the United States national team that competed in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Against Italy, he led the team with 24 points as they made the semis.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-05 |title=With defense a given, Bridges starting to flash offense for USA |url=https://www.fiba.basketball/en/news/basketballworldcup-2023-news-with-defense-a-given-bridges-starting-to-flash-offense-for-usa |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=www.fiba.basketball |language=en}} There they lost to Germany, setting them up for a bronze medal match against Canada.{{Cite web |last=Income |first=Net |date=2023-09-08 |title=Team USA. upset by Germany despite 17 points from Mikal Bridges, to play for bronze |url=https://www.netsdaily.com/2023/9/8/23864627/team-usa-upset-by-germany-despite-17-points-from-mikal-bridges-to-play-for-bronze |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=NetsDaily |language=en}} In that bronze medal game, he was fouled with 4.2 seconds remaining and Team USA down by four. He made the first free throw, then intentionally missed the second to get his own offensive rebound and make a three-pointer that sent the game into overtime. However, Canada went on to win in overtime to claim the bronze as Team USA finished fourth in that tournament.{{Cite web |last=Fuertes Jr |first=Rommel |date=2023-09-10 |title=Mikal Bridges’ late heroics not enough to save Team USA |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/528639/mikal-bridges-late-heroics-not-enough-to-save-team-usa |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}}
Career statistics
{{NBA player statistics legend|leader=y}}
=NBA=
==Regular season==
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2018}}
| style="text-align:left;"|Phoenix
| style="background:#cfecec;"|82* || 56 || 29.5 || .430 || .335 || .805 || 3.2 || 2.1 || 1.6 || .5 || 8.3
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2019}}
| style="text-align:left;"|Phoenix
| 73 || 32 || 28.0 || .510 || .361 || .844 || 4.0 || 1.8 || 1.4 || .6 || 9.1
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2020}}
| style="text-align:left;"|Phoenix
| style="background:#cfecec;"|72* || style="background:#cfecec;"|72* || 32.6 || .543 || .425 || .840 || 4.3 || 2.1 || 1.1 || .9 || 13.5
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2021}}
| style="text-align:left;"|Phoenix
| style="background:#cfecec;"|82* || style="background:#cfecec;"|82* || 34.8 || .534 || .369 || .834 || 4.2 || 2.3 || 1.2 || .4 || 14.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;" rowspan=2|{{nbay|2022}}
| style="text-align:left;"|Phoenix
| style="background:#cfecec;"|56* || style="background:#cfecec;"|56* || 36.4 || .463 || .387 || .897 || 4.3 || 3.6 || 1.2 || .8 || 17.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|Brooklyn
| style="background:#cfecec;"|27*|| style="background:#cfecec;"|27*|| 34.2 || .475 || .376 || .894 || 4.5 || 2.7 || 1.0 || .6 || 26.1
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2023}}
| style="text-align:left;"| Brooklyn
| 82 || style="background:#cfecec;"|82* || 34.8 || .436 || .372 || .814 || 4.5 || 3.6 || 1.0 || .4 || 19.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2024}}
| style="text-align:left;"| New York
| style="background:#cfecec;"|82 || style="background:#cfecec;"|82* || 37.0 || .500 || .354 || .814 || 3.2 || 3.7 || .9 || .5 || 17.6
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career
| 556 || 489 || 33.3 || .484 || .371 || .843 || 4.0 || 2.7 || 1.2 || .6 || 14.8
{{s-end}}
==Playoffs==
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|2021
| style="text-align:left;"|Phoenix
| 22 || 22 || 32.1 || .484 || .368 || .893 || 4.3 || 1.6 || 1.0 || .7 ||11.1
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|2022
| style="text-align:left;"|Phoenix
| 13 || 13 || 38.5 || .478 || .394 || .933 || 4.7 || 2.8 || 1.1 || 1.0 || 13.3
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|2023
| style="text-align:left;"|Brooklyn
| 4 || 4 || 39.4 || .429 || .400 || .783 || 5.3 || 4.0 || .5 || .5 || 23.5
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career
| 39 || 39 || 35.0 || .472 || .379 || .877 || 4.5 || 2.3 || 1.0 || .8 || 13.1
{{s-end}}
=College=
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|2014–15
| style="text-align:left;"|Villanova
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="11"| File:Redshirt.svg Redshirt
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|2015–16
| style="text-align:left;"|Villanova
| 40 || 0 || 20.3 || .521 || .299 || .787 || 3.2 || .9 || 1.1 || .7 || 6.4
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|2016–17
| style="text-align:left;"|Villanova
| 36 || 33 || 29.8 || .549 || .393 || .911 || 4.6 || 2.0 || 1.7 || .9 || 9.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|2017–18
| style="text-align:left;"|Villanova
| 40 || 40 || 32.1 || .514 || .435 || .851 || 5.3 || 1.9 || 1.5 || 1.1 || 17.7
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career
| 116 || 73 || 27.3 || .525 || .400 || .845 || 4.3 || 1.6 || 1.4 || .9 || 11.3
{{s-end}}
Personal life
Bridges is a fan of the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Phillies.{{cite web |last1=Olson |first1=Kellan |title=Mikal Bridges has made another wager, this time with Diamondbacks |url=https://arizonasports.com/story/3172827/mikal-bridges-has-made-another-wager-this-time-with-diamondbacks/ |website=arizonasports.com |access-date=12 March 2023}}
In December 2023, Bridges stated in an interview for GQ that he has eaten at Chipotle Mexican Grill every day for the last ten years.{{cite news |last1=Morik |first1=Ryan |title=Nets' Mikal Bridges says he's eaten Chipotle every day for 10 years: 'Too fire' |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/nets-mikal-bridges-eaten-chipotle-every-day-10-years-too-fire |access-date=29 December 2023 |date=28 December 2023}}{{Cite news |last=Andres |first=Patrick |date=28 December 2023 |title=Nets’ Mikal Bridges Says He’s Eaten Chipotle Every Day for a Decade |url=https://www.si.com/nba/2023/12/28/brooklyn-nets-mikal-bridges-chipotle-every-day-for-decade |access-date=29 December 2023 |publisher=Sports Illustrated}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
{{basketballstats}}
- [http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Mikal-Bridges-71763/ DraftExpress profile]
- [https://villanova.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=402 Villanova Wildcats bio]
- [https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-mikal-bridges-phoenix-suns-breakout-season-three-point-shooting-pick-and-roll-defense-deandre-ayton-turnover-percentage-monty-williams-chris-paul-villanova-jay-wright-ashley-howard A Phoenix Sun rises: Mikal Bridges determined to be a complete player]
{{New York Knicks current roster}}
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{{2018 NBA draft}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Bridges, Mikal}}
Category:2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup players
Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen
Category:21st-century American sportsmen
Category:All-American college men's basketball players
Category:American men's basketball players
Category:Basketball players from Philadelphia
Category:Brooklyn Nets players
Category:Great Valley High School alumni
Category:New York Knicks players
Category:Philadelphia 76ers draft picks
Category:Sportspeople from Chester County, Pennsylvania
Category:United States men's national basketball team players