The Phoenix Suns made the NBA Finals last season, and one of the key components to that was forward Mikal Bridges. Bridges is the quintessential 3 and D player, and his perimeter defense has been well-regarded.
Prior to the start of the 2021-22 season, the Phoenix Suns rewarded Mikal Bridges with a lucrative 4-year $90 million extension, and he hasn't missed a beat. The Phoenix Suns have won 16 games in a row, and Bridges being able to take on the toughest perimeter matchup against any opponent has been crucial to this insane winning streak.
ESPN's Bobby Marks has recently lauded Mikal Bridges and claimed that the Phoenix Suns forward should be an All-Star. He added that Mikal Bridges should be rewarded for his spectacular defense. (12:20)
Mikal Bridges. We gotta start rewarding guys for their defense. I mean Mikal Bridges, and Draymond certainly are All-NBA defensive players.
I know the All-Star game is about alley-oops and scoring points. But both those guys deserve a spot right now, we've still got a couple months.
There is no question that perimeter defense is important in the league, and Mikal Bridges being able to make things tough on a star is no easy feat. However, it is highly unlikely that Mikal Bridges makes an All-Star team. Bridges is a sound offensive player, but he's currently only averaging 12.9 PPG, 4.0 RPG, and 1.9 APG. There is no question that those numbers aren't typically what one expects from an All-Star caliber player.
The Phoenix Suns will face the Golden State Warriors today, and it's certainly a highly-anticipated matchup. Mikal Bridges will have to make things tough on Stephen Curry, and we'll see whether he will be able to show his All-Defensive caliber defense against the favorite for the MVP award.
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