As one of the biggest title favorites of the season, Paul's absence is a big hidden danger for the Suns, but in the game where Paul is absent, the Suns are still very good, today, the Suns once again beat the Kings 127-124, in addition to the team core and Ayton and cut 43 points, Bridges is definitely an indispensable part of this game, and also the key figure in this game the Suns can win. After the game, coach Monti praised Bridges as the strongest 3D striker.
Bridges played a team-high 50-minute streak in the game, shooting 9-of-18 from the field, 2-of-6 from beyond the three-point line, and also got eight free throw opportunities, scoring 27 points and completely suppressing the Kings forward. Most importantly, in the final quarter of the game, the individual eight points were the key to the Suns being able to drag the game into overtime, and the key two points and fouls in the overtime set the tone for the victory of the game. Bridges is stable with or without Paul, and such plug-and-play 3D is too good value.
So far this season, Bridges has averaged 35.3 minutes per game and has been fully present in his career, making him a famous iron man in the NBA. In Paul's absence, Bridges also stepped up his offense, averaging 20.4 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in the last five games, shooting 52.1% from the field and shooting 49.3% from outside the three-point line, worthy of the title of the top 3d in the league.
However, Bridges' outstanding performance is not only the offensive end, since it is the top 3D, obviously, there must be a D with 3, and his defensive ability is also the top of the league. This season ranks 53rd in the league with a defensive efficiency of 106.5, and the net efficiency is 5th in the league, while Bridges is in the top three positions in the selection of the best defensive players this season, and teammate Booker and coach Monty have repeatedly said that Bridges is the best defensive player this season.
The Suns have been able to top the league in the last two seasons, and in addition to Paul's addition and Booker Ayton's growth, they also have a lot to do with these role players. Chief among them is Bridges, who has evolved this season on both ends of the offensive and defensive ends to become the top 3D in the league. It has to be said that at present, he is indispensable to the Suns, and bridges' defense will play a key role in facing the top forwards in the playoffs, and similarly, whether the Suns can compete for the championship this season, his performance will also be the x factor.
Text/Yan Xiaobai