Mikal Bridges has emerged as the face of the Nets’ franchise, but the end of the season has prompted him to reflect on areas where he sees room for improvement. He acknowledges that his struggles were more mental than physical, expressing frustration with himself and a desire to win and compete. Despite achieving a scoring career-high of 19.6 points per game, he fell short of the raised All-Star expectations set for him. Bridges also faced criticism for failing to replicate the remarkable form he displayed after arriving at the trade deadline the previous year.
Teammate Cam Johnson noted that Bridges’ struggles were part of a team-wide issue, with production levels and team execution not meeting expectations. Still, Johnson expressed pride in Bridges and acknowledged the pressure he faced following his outstanding performance in the previous season. Bridges, however, admits that he put too much pressure on himself and allowed his frustration to affect his mental state and joy for the game. Despite the challenges, Bridges remains focused on his ultimate goal of winning and making it to the playoffs, recognizing the need to improve his mental approach for the future.
Bridges had a candid conversation with his mother during the season about his struggles and the toll they were taking on him mentally. He also identified specific moments, such as a tough loss to the Bucks and a series of defeats during a road trip, that contributed to his mental struggles. Bridges confessed that he let his emotions get the best of him at times and recognized the need to better manage his frustrations in order to maintain his focus and composure on the court. Reflecting on these experiences, Bridges is determined to learn from them and improve his mental resilience moving forward.
Despite the challenges he faced, Bridges remains committed to his purpose and goals, emphasizing his desire to win and be successful in the playoffs. He recognizes that his frustrations and emotional reactions hindered his performance at times and is focused on developing a more resilient mindset to overcome adversity. Bridges acknowledges the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and finding joy in playing the game, vowing to work on his mental approach and reaction to setbacks. By taking the lessons learned from the past season, Bridges is determined to strengthen his mental toughness and elevate his game to new heights in the future.
Overall, Mikal Bridges’ self-reflection and acknowledgment of his mental struggles highlight the importance of mindset in professional sports. Despite his individual success, Bridges recognizes the impact his emotions had on his performance and is committed to improving his mental approach. With a focus on staying positive, finding joy in the game, and maintaining composure in challenging situations, Bridges aims to elevate his game and lead the Nets to success in the future. By addressing his mental challenges head-on and taking steps to enhance his mental resilience, Bridges is poised to overcome setbacks and reach his full potential as a player.
