Inside The Nets

Mikal Bridges suffers a lower leg contusion against the Trail Blazers

Mikal’s status is unknown ahead of two games in Los Angeles.
Peter Sunjic|
© Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

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Brooklyn Nets

Mikal Bridges was the Nets’ star player in their heartbreaking loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. He scored 21 points but got hampered in the middle of the game with a lower leg contusion.

The former Villanova Wildcat inadvertently collided legs with Blazers forward Jabari Walker. The collision forced Mikal to return to the bench and get his leg checked. He got cleared to return to the game after a spell on the stationary bike. After a while, Coach Jacque Vaughn got Mikal back into the game. The 6’6'' wing was good to go, but his rhythm got messed up while on the bench.

“Too soon. We’ll get to assess, but it’s a good thing he was able to finish the game,” Coach JV said after the game about Mikal’s status.

Mikal will likely keep playing

Since Mikal checked back in and finished the game against Portland, it’s unlikely that he will take some time off. The versatile wing is also taking care of his streak of games played because he has not missed a game since he started playing in the NBA.

Thankfully for the Nets, Mikal’s collision with Walker was not too bad. He could still walk fine with a slight limp after it happened but was still moving well with or without the ball after checking back in.

The Nets rely on him to continue playing, given that he serves as their top scorer and a highly respected leader. Looking ahead, Brooklyn will depend on him to maintain this level of performance due to his significant contributions to the team.

Coach Vaughn will continue to rely on him

Coach JV has had a rough time with the Nets this season but knows he could always rely on Bridges to be a leader. Even during his rough rough patch of games, Coach Vaughn never benched the former Wildcat.

That kind of belief on and off the court is a trait that makes Mikal such a valuable piece of the squad. He is still on a long-term contract, and the organization is committed to building around him as a foundational piece.

His ability to stay on the floor even when facing multiple minor injuries is respectable. Even with this lower leg contusion, it does not look like a big deal because Mikal will continue to play.

“I’ll be alright,” Mikal said after the game, which should instill confidence in the Nets and the fans.

Ben Simmons participates in pre-game workouts with the rest of the Nets

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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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