Introduction
Miles Bridges has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in the NBA, known for his explosive athleticism, high-flying dunks, and increasingly reliable perimeter game. While early in his career he was mainly viewed as a transition scorer and dunk artist, Bridges has worked diligently to expand his offensive repertoire, most notably by improving his three-point shooting. Miles Bridges, In the modern NBA, the ability to shoot from beyond the arc is no longer a luxury for forwards—it’s a necessity. Over the past few seasons, Miles Bridges has evolved into a legitimate threat from long range, steadily improving his three-point attempts and percentages. This article takes a deep dive into Bridges’ three-pointers per game, how his role has developed, his training regimen, shooting mechanics, and how he compares with other NBA forwards. Please visit this.
Early Career Struggles From Three
When Miles Bridges entered the NBA in 2018, he was selected 12th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers and was immediately traded to the Charlotte Hornets. Coming out of Michigan State, he was known more for his athletic prowess than his long-range shooting. In his rookie season (2018–19), Bridges averaged only 0.9 three-point makes per game on 2.6 attempts, shooting just 32.5% from beyond the arc. Miles Bridges, His role on the team was limited, and he often came off the bench, which impacted his confidence and rhythm. At that time, NBA defenses often left him open from deep, preferring to contain his drives to the rim. His release was slow, and his footwork wasn’t always consistent, leading to streaky shooting performances. However, even in those early years, flashes of his potential as a shooter were evident during games where he got hot from deep.
Progression Season By Season
Bridges’ progress in three-point shooting became more noticeable in his second season (2019–20), when he started in more games and averaged 1.4 three-pointers per game on 4.0 attempts. Though his shooting percentage only slightly improved to 33%, the increased volume suggested growing confidence. He worked closely with Hornets shooting coaches during the off-season to refine his mechanics and improve shot selection. By the 2020–21 season, his numbers improved again to 1.8 threes per game on 4.4 attempts with a much better 40% shooting percentage from deep. That season marked a turning point in how defenders treated him. No longer was he left open on the perimeter; he began to command tighter coverage, which opened up other elements of his game such as driving lanes and passing options.
The 2021–22 NBA season was a breakout year for Miles Bridges in every sense. He averaged career highs across the board, including 2.0 three-pointers per game on 6.0 attempts while maintaining a solid 33.1% shooting efficiency. Although his percentage dipped slightly, the volume was significant. His increased usage rate and the fact that he was often tasked with creating his own shot affected his three-point percentage. Nonetheless, his willingness to shoot, combined with his improved handle and step-back ability, indicated a maturing offensive skillset.
Role Expansion And Shot Creation
One major reason behind Bridges’ three-point progression is the expansion of his role within the Charlotte Hornets’ offense. Initially a role player, Bridges gradually became a focal point of the team’s scoring plans. As his minutes increased and responsibilities expanded, so did the trust placed in him to take and make three-pointers. His ability to shoot off the catch and off the dribble made him a versatile offensive threat. The Hornets began running more plays designed to free him up for perimeter shots, including pick-and-pop actions and dribble hand-offs. His improved conditioning allowed him to move more effectively off the ball, which led to better catch-and-shoot opportunities. These strategic adjustments from the coaching staff maximized his shooting potential.
Mechanical Improvements In His Shooting
The technical evolution of Miles Bridges’ shooting form cannot be overstated. Early in his career, his shooting mechanics were somewhat erratic, with an inconsistent release point and poor lower body alignment. Over time, however, Bridges has worked tirelessly on refining every element of his shot. Today, his release is quicker, more fluid, and his footwork is far more consistent. Miles Bridges, He has a more compact shooting motion, allowing him to get shots off even under pressure. Bridges also made subtle adjustments to his hand placement and follow-through, which has contributed to a higher arc and softer touch on his jumpers. These changes, combined with thousands of repetitions during practice, have made his shot more reliable.
Training And Offseason Workouts
A significant factor in Bridges’ improvement from beyond the arc has been his relentless work ethic during the offseason. Each summer, he dedicates time to working on specific elements of his game, and three-point shooting has been a top priority. His workouts include shooting hundreds of threes per day from various spots on the court, incorporating game-like scenarios with defenders and motion. He has also spent time training with shooting coaches and other NBA professionals to learn advanced shooting techniques. One of the key focuses has been mental preparation and confidence-building, as the mindset of a shooter often determines their in-game performance. Bridges’ growth in this area is evident in his body language and shot selection during high-pressure moments.
Impact On Team Offense
Miles Bridges’ ability to consistently hit threes has had a significant impact on the Charlotte Hornets’ overall offensive dynamics. By spacing the floor effectively, he opens up driving lanes for guards like LaMelo Ball and creates more room for post players to operate. His threat from beyond the arc forces defenders to stay attached to him at the perimeter, which alters how opposing teams rotate and help on defense. Miles Bridges’ shooting stretches defenses thin, allowing the Hornets to run more complex offensive sets and increasing their overall efficiency. His development into a capable shooter also means the team can rely on him in clutch situations, providing a much-needed scoring option when the offense stalls.
Comparison With Other NBA Forwards
When compared to other forwards in the NBA, Miles Bridges stacks up well in terms of three-pointers per game. While not yet on the level of elite sharpshooting forwards like Kevin Durant or Khris Middleton, Bridges is firmly in the second tier of reliable shooters. His 2.0 threes per game in recent seasons place him above average for his position, especially when considering his athletic profile and defensive responsibilities. Miles Bridges, What sets him apart is his versatility; while many forwards rely solely on catch-and-shoot opportunities, Bridges is capable of creating his own shot off the dribble. This skill makes him more difficult to guard and adds layers to the Hornets’ offense.
Statistical Analysis And Trends
Miles Bridges, From a statistical standpoint, Bridges’ increase in three-pointers per game reflects a broader league-wide trend where players across all positions are expected to shoot from deep. His growth mirrors the NBA’s shift toward positionless basketball, where even power forwards are expected to have shooting range. Bridges’ stats over time—jumping from under one three per game to over two—are a testament to both personal development and strategic evolution. Miles Bridges, Advanced metrics also show that Bridges’ three-point attempts are increasingly coming from high-value zones like the corners and above the break, which are more efficient areas. His shot chart reveals a well-distributed three-point attempt map, highlighting his ability to find good looks from multiple areas.
Influence Of Coaching And Team Culture
The support and trust from the Hornets’ coaching staff have played a vital role in Bridges’ three-point development. The coaching team has consistently encouraged him to shoot with confidence and provided him the green light in key moments. Head coaches like James Borrego and later Steve Clifford emphasized pace-and-space offense, which naturally increased three-point opportunities for all players. Bridges was challenged to stretch his game beyond the paint, and he responded with dedication. The culture within the Hornets organization, which values player development and allows young players to grow through mistakes, gave Bridges the space he needed to experiment and improve.
Public Perception And Media Attention
As Bridges’ shooting improved, so did the public’s perception of him. Initially known primarily for highlight-reel dunks, he has begun to gain recognition as a more complete offensive player. Media coverage now often includes analysis of his shooting form, shot selection, and impact on the team’s spacing. Fans and analysts alike have noticed his improved decision-making from behind the arc. Miles Bridges, His highlight packages increasingly feature deep threes and step-back jumpers, showcasing his evolution. As he continues to develop and post consistent numbers, there is growing conversation about his potential to make All-Star appearances and cement himself as a franchise cornerstone.
Challenges And Areas For Improvement
Miles Bridges, Despite the notable improvements, Bridges still has room to grow as a three-point shooter. His percentages can be inconsistent from game to game, and he sometimes struggles against teams with aggressive close-outs. Maintaining shooting accuracy over a long NBA season requires stamina, mental focus, and adaptation to defensive schemes. Bridges needs to continue refining his off-ball movement to create easier looks and avoid fatigue. He could also benefit from increasing his three-point attempts from the corners, where he’s statistically more accurate. Additionally, improving his free-throw shooting, which often correlates with three-point accuracy, could help make him a more efficient scorer overall.
Future Outlook And Career Trajectory
Looking ahead, Miles Bridges is well-positioned to become one of the premier two-way forwards in the league. If he continues to improve his three-point shooting, he will be an even greater asset to his team and more dangerous in late-game situations. His upward trajectory suggests that 2.5 to 3.0 threes per game is within reach, especially if he continues to be a focal point in the Hornets’ offense. As he enters his prime, his combination of athleticism and perimeter shooting could make him a prototype for the modern NBA forward. With a continued focus on efficiency and consistency, Bridges has the potential to be remembered not just for his dunks, but for his deadly stroke from deep.
Conclusion
Miles Bridges’ evolution from an athletic slasher to a dependable three-point shooter highlights the adaptability and growth necessary to succeed in today’s NBA. His commitment to improving his shooting mechanics, increasing his volume, and becoming a threat from beyond the arc has significantly elevated his game. As his three-pointers per game continue to rise, so does his value to the Charlotte Hornets and his standing in the league. Through hard work, strategic coaching, and an unrelenting drive, Bridges is reshaping his narrative—one three-pointer at a time.