Padres News: NBA Star Mikal Bridges Borrowed Friar Celebration and Brought It Onto the Court

The Philly native showing San Diego love.

The Padres seem to have an effect on sports throughout the world beyond just baseball. They have become one of the most energetic teams in the MLB, connecting with the youth due to their playstyle and uplifting culture.

Mikal Bridges, one of the brightest young stars in the NBA, was recently traded to the Brooklyn Nets and made his debut for the franchise Saturday night. He dropped 23 points and caught the attention of many after a celebration he did following a made three-pointer.

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— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) February 12, 2023

Bridges would then go on to explain in a postgame interview that he drew inspiration from the Gaslamp Guys for this move.

“I’ve been waiting to explain where I got it from, I got it from the Padres,” said Bridges. “Every time they would get a double or more, they would look at their sideline or bullpen and they would just point and head turn.”

It is amazing to see whenever two different sports collide in good spirits. In an era dominated by social media, these professional athletes love to look good when the cameras are rolling and are taking notes from each other. Bridges is not using the celebration for the same reason as San Diego’s players are, but it still works just as well.

The former Villano forward also paid his respects to star third baseman Manny Machado.

“I’m a big fan of Manny Machado so watching him getting doubles and stuff like that, I’m watching the game and I see him point and just turn his head,” said Bridges. “I’m just like hmm, I’m going to add it with my own little three-point way.”

We hope to see this celebration more this year not just from Bridges, but from the Padres themselves as well.