Mikal Bridges gets decimated online over changed jump shot and shooting struggles

Mikal Bridges’ jump shot was a big talking point throughout preseason, and that chatter continued during Tuesday’s opening night contest between the Knicks and Celtics. Bridges went 0 for 5 in the first half, returning scoreless as New York trailed 74-55. That included four attempts from deep.

One of the two blockbuster trade additions this offseason, Bridges was expected to hit the ground running, but his shooting woes have seemingly caused some concern among New Yorkers. Even Reggie Miller brought it up while he was on broadcast.

It seems like Bridges has modified his jump shot slightly, but he has a hitch now, leading to his inefficiency. Fans were puzzled about the Knicks changing his shot mechanics abruptly after shooting 37.5% over his career from 3. Some even mocked him for not making a shot in the opening 24 minutes.

“HE KNOCKED MY TV OFF THE WALL WITH ALL THOSE BRICKS,” one fan wrote.

“Broke af,” said another.

Another fan questioned why Bridges changed his jump shot:

“I’m confused.. why change it !?”

“Whatever they did to Bridges’ jumper is a crime. This is a mess.” one fan said.

“He can build the twin towers back up by all-star break with all those bricks,” another fan joked.

Mikal Bridges loses hitch in second half but Knicks fall to Celtics

Mikal Bridges seemingly ditched his new jump shot form in the second half after his struggles from the field. The Knicks wing tried leaning into his shooting form from the last few seasons, and it worked instantly, as Bridges finished the game with 16 second-half points. He hit two 3s and 7 of 9 shots overall to shrug off his off night.

However, none of it mattered much as the Celtics’ 3-point shootings remained hot to start the second half. Boston finished with an NBA record 29 3s in the game to win 132-109. Jayson Tatum led the 3-point barrage with eight 3s for Boston, tallying 37 points.

The outcome may have been slightly different if Bridges could produce the goods in the first half. It will be crucial for him to figure out his shot mechanics soon as New York’s offense does need him to be more efficient as one of the more efficient players in self-shot creation and corner 3-point shooting.