When people talk about the Phoenix Suns, they think of the big three - Paul, Ayton, Booker, but in fact, this Sun should be regarded as a big four player, starting striker Mikale Bridges is more indispensable for this team, Ayton can be replaced by McGee or even Yongbo, but no one in the Suns lineup can replace Bridges, and the reason why the Suns' defense is so strong Bridges is great.
The Suns vs Pelicans' G1, the Pelicans' 10-of-10 defense against Bridges in the first half, is enough to show how tough Bridges' defense is.
Bridges defended 2 of 16 Pelicans players in the game, and he faced CJ McCollum to make CJ 9 of 0, bridges such defensive talent is undoubtedly the top presence in the league.
Before the game, the NBA officially announced the list of candidates for the best defensive player of the season: Mikael Bridges, Rudy Gobert, Marcus Smart. In the latest issue of the DPOY list in April, Bridges has already surpassed Gobert to become the first place.
Bridges is a league Ironman who hasn't missed a single game this season, and solar has done so well for his 64-win team-all-time team. Paul, Ayton and Booker have all suffered injuries, but Bridges played 82 games.
The Suns have counted the shooting percentages of 14 stars this season against Bridges' defense:
Damian Lillard scored 28 points on 12-of-25 shooting 46 percent;
Daron Fox scored 8 points on 4-of-13 shooting 30.8 percent;
Stephen Curry scored four points on 2-of-12 shooting 16.7 percent;
McCollum scored 16 points on 5-of-12 shooting (not counting the playoffs);
Reggie Jackson scored nine points on 4-of-12 shooting 33.3 percent;
Lamelo Ball scored 11 points on 4-of-11 shooting, shooting 36.4 percent;
Anthony Edwards scored seven points on 3-of-10 shooting;
Westbrook scored 11 points on 4-of-10 shooting;
James scored 6-of-13 and scored 15 points from 46.2 percent;
Siakam scored seven points on 3-of-10 shooting, shooting 30 percent;
Harden scored 8 points on 1-of-9 shooting 11.1 percent;
Zach Lavin scored 13 points on 3-of-8 shooting 37.5 percent;
Alexander scored eight points on 3-of-8 shooting and shot 37.5 percent.
The 14 stars combined to score 145 points, 54-of-153 shooting 35.3 percent. As Paul said, Bridges faces the opposing arrow figure every game, but he can do it well.
The Suns already believe Bridges should win the DPY, with Monty at best head coach and Cameron Johnson as best sixth man.
Text/Yan Xiaobai