Kendrick Perkins Says Suns Held Back Mikal Bridges

Former Phoenix Suns forward and current Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges was already reaching new heights in terms of scoring before the Kevin Durant trade that landed him and Cam Johnson in Brooklyn.

His last six games with Phoenix, he scored at least 21 points in each contest.

Bridges - known for his current ironman streak and tremendous defense - seemed to have turned a new leaf at the right time with Devin Booker arriving back into the fold.

Despite having to adjust to new surroundings, Bridges has seemingly continued to hoop in a major way. After scoring outputs of 23 and 7, Bridges hit a career-high 45 points in a Nets win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday.

Bridges - who also contributed eight rebounds, five assists, two blocks and two steals - caught the attention of everybody in the world of basketball.

Some believe the Suns were holding Bridges back in terms of his ability, such as former NBA Finals champion Kendrick Perkins:

It’s a difference between playing the right way and waiting your turn and being held back!

Mikal Bridges with a smooth 45 piece wing dinner, 8 biscuits and 5 apple pies. Phoenix was in the damn way! Carry on…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) February 16, 2023

Playing in an offense that featured other scoring options such as Booker, Chris Paul, Cam Johnson and Deandre Ayton, Bridges wasn't really needed to contribute 45 often, though that might change with the current roster build of the Nets.

Suns legend Eddie Johnson responded to Perkins' tweet in a savage way.

Was not held back Perk, Mikal was tremendous for the @suns. You did see what he averaged for last month with Book out didn’t you? We are not surprised. You should have tuned in more! You give up potential greatness to get already greatness. You should know! https://t.co/PoGFDxPbnG
— Eddie A Johnson (@Jumpshot8) February 16, 2023