Inside The Nets

Cam Johnson talks about why Mikal Bridges' bounceback is not surprising

Mikal was in an extended slump and then silenced the doubters with 38 points against Atlanta.
Peter Sunjic|
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Brooklyn Nets

After the All-Star break, Mikal Bridges struggled to score for the Nets. It was an issue, given his status as a go-to scorer. Despite the struggles, Brooklyn did not panic because everyone within the organization knew what Mikal was capable of.

Bridges’ biggest supporter is his “Twin” and long-time teammate Cameron Johnson. The former North Carolina Tar Heel had no doubts about Mikal’s confidence as the Nets’ go-to scorer, especially without a healthy Cameron Thomas.

“Chatter, all that stuff’s background noise, man. He’s a professional. He shows up every day, doesn't miss a practice, doesn't miss a game, and people wanna talk about a couple of missed shots,” Cam Johnson said after the second win against Atlanta. “He’s played 400/500 straight games. A lot of credit to him, he don’t let it bother him.”

The Nets need Mikal to keep playing with confidence

With the 38-point performance, Mikal showcased what can happen when he builds his rhythm and gets the opportunity. Without Thomas, Bridges is the de facto top scorer, but getting defended well should not be an excuse to be inefficient. The 27-year-old can affect the game in other ways, as he can make off-ball cuts and go through screens to get open looks.

Interim head coach Kevin Ollie ensured Mikal got those looks by running set plays for him. That helped Mikal get the confidence he needed to keep scoring, as Brooklyn won against Atlanta because of Bridges’ 38 points, which involved off-ball threes, back cuts, and isolation plays.

Brooklyn is in good hands with Mikal

Having Mikal as a franchise cornerstone is a blessing for Brooklyn because they have a reliable wing player who could score and defend at a high level. The former Villanova Wildcat is committed to the Nets project since the front office sees him as a player who can entice other stars to join Brooklyn.

Aside from the organization’s valuation, Mikal is a valuable presence in the locker room. He is a vocal leader who is willing to keep everyone in check. Having this kind of player can lead to great things for the Nets, as long as they can build a team with him as a vital piece.

A confident Mikal can lead Brooklyn to consistent success. That gets even better when Thomas returns because the 22-year-old and Bridges have improved their chemistry over the past few months.

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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