2. Everyone needs a Bridges on their team
There might not be a better glue player on the planet than Mikal Bridges. Seriously. Every coach envies having someone who can guard the opposing team’s best player every night, knock down shots when needed, and make game-winning plays to boot.
All the praise in the world goes to Devin Booker for hitting the fadeaway buzzer-beater, but that doesn’t happen without Mikal Bridges on the floor. His long arms and basketball acumen delivered the key deflection and steal to prevent what surely would have been a fast break opportunity for the Clippers with a chance to win the game.
After Rubio’s missed shot, Zubac got the rebound but underestimated Bridges’ length who slapped it over to Ayton, who passed it to Rubio, who gave it to Booker, who did the rest.
There were times throughout the game where it felt like Paul George had Bridges’ number, as PG-13 made several hard drives to the paint right around Bridges. Then again, George is one of best players in the league, so, you know, perspective.
There were also times, especially early in the game where the
tables
bridges were turned and it was Mikal who had Kawhi Leonard’s number. Bridges stayed in front of him multiple possessions, often forcing him to pass out. Those kinds are the classic, “Don’t show up in the stat sheet plays,” but are vitally important nonetheless.
He also casually drained three out of his four 3-point attempts just because that’s what he does now.