© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Ollie has given context behind why Mikal Bridges is still playing heavy minutes despite his slump
Mikal Bridges played a game-high 43 minutes against the Detroit Pistons but did not put up the stats the playing time would suggest. He only scored 13 points and dished out seven assists.
Coach Kevin Ollie is giving Mikal heavy minutes while the former Villanova Wildcat is in a slump. He is also guarded by the opponent's best defender every game because Cameron Thomas is on the sidelines. However, Ollie said Mikal specifically requested to keep playing heavy minutes.
“Everybody can benefit from a break, but our schedule is not allowing us to take a break. He came to me and said, 'I need to play, I want to play,’” Ollie told the media after the game. “I believe in him and our team believes in him. And I know if we continue to have faith and continue to put him in the right situations, he will prevail, he will get through this, it's making him stronger.”
Bridges deserves support from the team
Over the past year, Mikal has been on the Nets, and he has surpassed expectations. From being labeled as a three-and-D guy in Phoenix, Bridges blossomed into a borderline All-Star who could thrive in a go-to guy role.
He has been superb, but the rest of the NBA noticed that. It meant Bridges became a target for defenders, and any player could have a rough patch because of the defensive attention.
Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton are vital to the Nets because they work well with Bridges. They take pressure off Mikal, as defenders will give him space to stop Thomas' isolation or a pick-and-roll with Claxton. The rest of the Nets squad must keep supporting Bridges because he’s playing too many minutes, leading to his struggles.
The slump will be over soon
Over the past ten games, Mikal is averaging 15.6 points, 4.3 assists, and four assists per game. His shooting splits are also abysmal, as he’s shooting 37.3% from the field and 29.1% from distance.
A player of Mikal’s caliber will break out of this slump soon. Every NBA player goes through rough patches, and Bridges proved he’s a solid player. He needs more time and support to take his production to a higher level and help the Nets win more games.
