Inside The Nets

Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson make their return to Phoenix

The upcoming match between the Nets and the Suns is a homecoming for the "Twins."

Marin Gabric

© Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
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Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson came into the Nets roster when they were traded in February 2023 in the massive deal centered around Kevin Durant. This matchup holds special significance for the "Twins" as it signifies their inaugural return to the arena they once called home.

This will be a fun matchup because the two former Phoenix Suns will be motivated to perform as they play against the team that traded them. 

While harboring no ill feelings toward Phoenix, they still carry a sense of motivation and determination for this game.

"In the summer, KD said he wanted to go to Phoenix, so it was kind of in the back of my head 'cause, you know, we're not dumb, like, if you want to come here, I was gone, and Cam Johnson knew we was," Bridges said in the summer of 2023 on Podcast P.

A motivated Nets duo will do wonders for the team

When Bridges and Johnson are fired up, they substantially boost the Nets. Look no further than Bridges' recent stellar game against the Magic, dropping 42 points as he aimed to bounce back from a tough loss to the Charlotte Hornets the week before – a clear testament to his ability to shine when motivated.

Johnson is expected to excel, benefitting from open shots in his spot-up shooter role. His defensive efforts will also be crucial, especially if Durant is in the lineup and in full health.

This will be a fun matchup because the Twins will likely play their hearts out. They will play in the Footprint Center, their old stomping grounds, where they are still familiar with the staff and the hardwood.

The Nets need to capitalize on this motivation

Brooklyn has proven its ability to compete with any team in the league, but the presence of a motivated, forward duo requires additional support. Cameron Thomas will likely step up, and Spencer Dinwiddie shouldn't be overlooked, either.

This will be a fun matchup between Phoenix and Brooklyn as Mikal's old team will finally see him play as a top offensive option, a role Suns fans did not get to see since Mikal only had a three-and-D role in the Valley. 

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Marin Gabric
MARIN GABRIC

Marin's love for writing developed in high school but was furthered in college when he took a number of creative writing courses. Doing sports writing felt like an extremely natural continuation, as it furthered his passions in both writing and basketball.  Marin loves the feeling of looking at stats after a game and analyzing what each team could've done better or what they excel in compared to the rest of the league. And the ability to do so for his favorite team, the Brooklyn Nets, is quite special in itself. 

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