How Mikal Bridges' new signature move is helping him score more in the paint

“Watching tape and film on guys. Zach LaVine does it really well, Harrison Barnes have been doing it well for years, even (Joel) Embiid does it,” Bridges said. “Just being creative around there, trying to make it look easier. It’s goofy because you don’t know, it’s unorthodox. Just trying to find ways to score under there.”

Mikal has vastly improved his all-around scoring

When he was with the Phoenix Suns, Mikal was only scoring from spot-up three-pointers and transition layups or dunks. Behind the scenes, he kept working on his skills as he knew his scoring ability would be needed in the future.

The versatile wing was then traded to the Brooklyn Nets where he quickly became one of the team’s best offensive players. This was due to him being unlocked and allowed to do stuff that he wanted to do in Phoenix. 

This includes the Pinoy Step which he kept seeing from other players which he then integrated into this game alongside Cameron Johnson.

He is now scoring on mid-range pull-ups but his magic around the paint has been fun to watch. The Pinoy Step is his go-to move because rim protectors don’t expect him to do an up fake, which has led to him scoring many points.

Bridges keeps adding more weapons to his arsenal

This move around the rim is just what Mikal has done over the past year. He wants to keep improving and he’s looking to add more weapons to his arsenal. Bridges is a significantly different player from what he was doing just a year before in Phoenix.

He looks the part of a go-to guy now because he’s hitting the mid-range pullups just like former teammate Devin Booker. Expect him to add more moves to his bag, including step-back threes or even floaters. The sky is the limit for Bridges as long as he keeps working on his game.