Phoenix Suns forward Michal Bridges was eager to defend Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell on Wednesday night. Mitchell scored a career-high 71 points in Cleveland’s 145-134 overtime win over the Chicago Bulls on Monday.
The three-time All-Star became the seventh player in NBA history to score at least 70 points in a game. Bridges knows Mitchell is flying high right now, and the fifth-year Cavs guard hopes to disappoint fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse tomorrow.
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“I hope he doesn’t try that load next game. I talked to him today. I sent him a lot of IG DMs. A lot of voice notes. Hey bro don’t try to get 80 tomorrow. .
Michal Bridge to Donovan Mitchell after a 71-point outburst.
“Calm down that shit.” #Sun #caves Wednesday
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) January 3, 2023
“I hope he doesn’t try the next game,” the Suns wing said. “I spoke to him today. I sent him several IG DMs. Lots of voice notes. They would say, ‘Hey bro, don’t try to get 80 tomorrow.’ cool down.”
Bridges’ season-long performance backs up his playmaking prowess. In 38 starts, the 26-year-old is averaging career highs of 15.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. He is also recording 1.1 steals on 46.2% from the field and 39.8% from beyond the arc.
Suns star Michal Bridges hopes to challenge Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell in Wednesday night’s match.
For another noteworthy statistic, Bridges ranks second in NBA minutes played (1,374). In the year On November 9, in the Suns’ 129-117 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, the forward scored a season-high 31 points in 43 minutes. He shot 12 of 20 (60%) from the floor and knocked down two 3-pointers.
Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell is having the best season of his career, needless to say. He is averaging a career-high 29.3 points per game, along with 3.9 boards, 4.8 assists and 1.4 steals. Not to mention, the guard is shooting career bests of 49.2% from the field and 41.3% from 3-point range.
In the 4:30 NBA injury report, Cavaliers G Darius Garland (thumb) is questionable for tomorrow night against the Suns, while F Evan Mobley (ankle) is questionable. G Ricky Rubio (knee) is still out.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) January 3, 2023
Individual journeys aside, the Cavaliers are the better team right now. They are 24-14 in the Eastern Conference standings and fourth overall. Cleveland is averaging 112.1 points per game, which ranks 21st in the NBA. Additionally, the team is allowing a league-best 106.9 points per contest.
Additionally, the Suns won the first two regular season meetings against Cleveland. Although Phoenix has won their last five games against them, the Cavs are 7-3 in their last 10 games. And the Suns are 2-8 in their last 10 road contests. Heading into Wednesday night’s interconference showdown, sportsbooks show the Cavs as 4.5-point favorites.
