Phoenix Suns: 5 takeaways from a momentum-building win against the Raptors

1. Holy cow, Mikal Bridges

I mentioned in the Celtics game recap how if there was a most improved over the hiatus award, Mikal Bridges would win it. Now I think he’d win two of them.

Bridges has been a completely different beast in Disney World, playing so much more confidently, aggressively, and consistently than the pre-COVID season.

Bridges had 20 points in the first half alone and all of them looked smooth, unforced, and in rhythm. He finished the game with 26 on an efficient 10-12 from the field.

On top of that, he was his normal pesky self on defense, coming away with two steals and a block, and he threw in five assists just because.

Of all his teammates, Bridges’ improvement has to come as the biggest relief to Devin Booker, who shouldn’t have to feel like he has to score 35 points in order for his team to win anymore. By sharing the scoring burden, it allows for Booker to have an off night without completely depleting the Suns’ chances of coming away with the victory.

Booker didn’t look for his shot a lot this game, but he did have a visious left-handed throw-down in Pascal Siakam’s face that will be on repeat on Sports Center later.

On top of takings some pressure off Booker, it also frees him up for more shots and might make teams think twice before rushing to, ahem, double team him.

Phoenix Suns fans should be pumped for the future of Mikal Bridges. It is bright.