Inside The Nets

Mikal Bridges sees Nets win over Suns as a necessity after horror loss vs. Kings

Brooklyn performed with tenacity defensively to evade the replication of their bitter loss against Sacramento.

Peter Sunjic

© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

The Brooklyn Nets crossed the desert with heightened motivation and urgency.

Upon displaying an embarrassing defensive act that led to their collapse in the hands of the hot-shooting Sacramento Kings, the Nets have kept their focus and desire to redeem themselves as they faced the daunting Phoenix Suns that boasted the first-ever play of their Big 3 in Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.

But amid the pressure and the star power that the Suns have presented, the Nets eventually emerged victorious in a grinding clash, 116-112, courtesy of their improved and collective bounce-back performance.

A good redeeming win for Brooklyn

Contrary to what they've shown against Sacramento, Brooklyn chose to be highly aggressive in defending the perimeter.

Upon learning the lesson of their disappointing defense against the Kings, who registered a franchise-setting record 25 treys in 45 attempts, the Nets clamped down the Suns to an abysmal 9/28 deep-range shooting (32.1%).

Mikal Bridges believes that his team's victory and crucial defense were just necessities to get themselves back on track upon the stunning loss on Monday.

"It was good. We needed that one bad, too, just losing the last game [in Sacramento]. So definitely great to get one in here," Bridges said. "It definitely was good to get a win. Like I said, our team, we needed that one."

A perfect homecoming for the "Twins"

Playing in front of the Valley crowd, which served as his first NBA home alongside his "Twin" brother Cam Johnson, a mixed feeling wrapped around Bridges' emotions.

With his new chapter in Brooklyn rolling, Bridges refused to dwell in his past as a Sun by boosting the Nets with 21 points, three boards, and two dimes.

"Yeah, just this was fun to be back out here playing on this court, in front of fans, so you get to see me again. It was pretty once a year so just excited to come back and just play in front of everybody."

Key takeaways from the Nets' massive win over the Suns

Published
Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

Home/News