“Mikal Bow”, a new trigger for Sun

Overtime heroics in overtime win against Spurs Mikal bridges delivered a layer against the Raptors tonight to grab the win. The Phoenix winger, who scored 16 points in the first quarter, had a “clutch attitude” with two baskets in the half to give the Suns a three-point lead with two minutes left (103-100). Seconds later, after a big offensive rebound from Torrey Craig, it was Chris Paul who nailed the cover with a 3-pointer.

Mikal Bridges, the author of 29 points, was already known as the “Iron Man” of the Sun, and since then he has taken on a new nickname: “Mikal Bow”. No relation to the singer or actor, and Deandre Ayton explains the genesis.

“They laugh at me because they think I take this shot every time”

“I looked at the Book and said to him, ‘These are your systems.'” It says the circle of the sun. “You know, Mikal always wants the ball there (note: the angle of the racket, called the “elbow”). At the end of the match, we searched for him twice in a row. From all sides. For everyone, coach, players, Mikal Bow. Because Mikal wants that “elbow”. »

So it’s a play on words and you have to pronounce “Mick Elbow” and it’s Bridges who recovers the systems usually reserved for Booker in the middle distance. Inevitably, this nickname amuses him.

“They laugh at me because they think I take that shot every time and I’m Mikal Bow. Half the time I feel unmarked. It’s a little joke they made. »

For his coach, this is a chance to have a player who can bring variation to the attack, while this “point” is also appreciated by Chris Paul. “He and Chris knew we couldn’t run the same system, so they took a different approach.” Monty Williams analysis. “It’s the same type of system, but they took a different route and Mikal got us another good shot. That’s the kind of experience you’re looking for in guys at the end of the game, being able to run the same system but change it up to get a good shot. »

“When you start to have the ball often and become a scorer, you start to find solutions”

On the air, Chris Paul appreciates that he can count on another forward to replace Devin Booker pending his return.

“It’s great… He put it on for the first time and then I looked at him and told him we’re going to play for him again. Often when you start to have the ball and become a goal scorer, you start to find solutions. When Book and I are away, he has a lot of responsibilities. »

It’s a belief that everyone nurtures and it’s what the coach holds.

“At this moment, we see Mikal coming out of there. I think the players have a lot of confidence in him, but he also has confidence in himself because he has worked for it and is not worried about the results. Chris was very good at finding her in her favorite spots. »

Mikal Bridges, considered the “Glue Boy” and the team’s best defender for several seasons, has reached a milestone offensively, and he has Chris Paul and Devin Booker to thank.

“I’m grateful to have guys like Chris and Book and to be able to see them and see what they’re doing. The way they find their “points” and shots sums up Bridges. You know, we’re all basketball players, and when a system works, we’ll continue to use it. »