❚ Suns rookie Mikal Bridges embraces his increased role.
Rookie Mikal Bridges has been starting consistently since November, and his role has increased.
The Suns forward has played 35 minutes or more in the past seven games, also notching season highs in points (20) and assists (five). Over that stretch, he’s averaged 13 points a game, up from his season-long average of 8.9 points in 27.8 minutes.
His playing time is trending up, and Bridges is already averaging the sixthmost minutes of all NBA rookies this season. Teammate Deandre Ayton is getting the second-most, with 30.9. Luka Doncic (32.0), Collin Sexton (30.0), Trae Young (30.0) and Kevin Knox (28.1) round out the top five.
“We see that as being proud of (that),” coach Igor Kokoskov said. “It’s a great thing for him and a great thing for us as an organization.”
The minutes are a reflection of Bridges’ versatility as a player. He effectively uses his length on defense and doesn’t fear the long ball. Against Golden State on Friday, 12 of his 19 points came from beyond the arc.
“His shot’s been looking really good,” teammate Josh Jackson said. “He’s been more aggressive at attacking the basket. Shot a lot of free throws last game ... I was glad to see him attack the basket more, and just doing everything you do with confidence, believing in everything you do, and he’s looking really confident.”
Confidence has been key for Bridges, who spent the last week matched up against some of the league’s premier scorers. To get ready to face guys like James Harden, Bridges spends a lot of time watching film, a carryover from his college days at Villanova. He takes those opportunities to learn more about his opponents and the game as a direct way to improve, particularly on defense.
“We watch a lot of film, just watching players and their tendencies,” Bridges said. “And knowing rules, you know, in the post defense, knowing how you can play a person to the post – I didn’t know that weeks ago where I was just playing straight up, with no hands on ‘em, which just makes it easier for them, so I added a little resistance.”
For the remaining games, one of his main goals is to be more consistent on defense, especially when it comes to minimizing turnovers. Those have also increased a bit in recent games. Bridges hasn’t grown complacent, and his coaches are still pushing him, though all with some context: he’s still quite young.
“He’s a young player, rookie, who’s played just a few months in this league,” Kokoskov said. “He’s going to play another 17, 18 years, so he’s got to work on everything, literally everything, and he cares, he cares about the game. He cares about the team, and nothing is going to stop him on that path to improve as a player.”
Injury report
Devin Booker (right hamstring tightness) is probable. Kokoskov said after Saturday’s practice there is a “very good
chance” Booker would play Sunday. De’Anthony Melton (right ankle sprain) and TJ Warren (right ankle soreness) are out.