Dorian Finney-Smith's Salute: A Gesture of Respect and Resilience

Some NBA players are known for their scoring. Some are known for their defense. And then there’s Mikal Bridges, a two-way machine who can do it all. But when the game is on the line, he has a secret weapon—his clutch gene.
Mikal Bridges has hit some insane game-winners, but one clutch shot stands above the rest. Let’s dive into his most unforgettable clutch moment, his rise to NBA stardom, and why he’s one of the most underrated clutch players in the league.
Picture this: The game is tied. Seconds left on the clock. The defense is locked in, knowing exactly who they need to stop. But then, BOOM—Mikal Bridges rises up and buries an impossible shot to win the game. π±
One of his most legendary clutch shots came during his time with the Brooklyn Nets. With just a few seconds left, he caught the ball, spun past his defender, and hit an off-balance, contested jumper at the buzzer to seal the win. Crowd goes wild. Teammates swarm him. The moment was electric. π₯
✅ Fearless mentality—never scared of the moment!
✅ Quick release—defenders can’t react in time!
✅ Elite footwork—always balanced for the perfect shot!
✅ Two-way ability—locks up opponents on defense, then wins the game on offense!
Bridges has quietly built a reputation as one of the NBA’s most dangerous late-game scorers. But how did he get here?
Mikal Bridges wasn’t always the go-to guy in crunch time. He had to earn his way up, proving himself as an elite defender, shooter, and leader.
Bridges played for Villanova, where he became a two-time NCAA Champion (2016, 2018). His defensive intensity, smooth shooting, and clutch play helped him stand out. In his final year, he averaged:
π₯ 17.7 points per game
π₯ 5.3 rebounds per game
π₯ 43.5% from three
His ability to hit big shots and lock down opponents made him a top NBA prospect.
The 76ers drafted him 10th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft but immediately traded him to the Phoenix Suns. In Phoenix, Bridges developed into a defensive nightmare and elite role player, helping lead the Suns to the NBA Finals in 2021.
But even as a key piece of the Suns' success, Bridges was often overshadowed by Devin Booker and Chris Paul. He needed a bigger role.
In 2023, Bridges was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in the blockbuster deal for Kevin Durant. Many wondered if he could handle the pressure of being the #1 option. The answer? Absolutely.
π₯ First game with the Nets: 45 points!
π₯ Averaged career-high numbers as Brooklyn’s go-to scorer!
π₯ Became a true two-way superstar!
Now, Bridges is proving he’s more than just a great defender—he’s a game-winning, clutch-scoring leader.
So what makes Bridges one of the most dangerous late-game players in the NBA? It’s a mix of:
✅ Shot-Making Under Pressure – He doesn’t just hit shots, he hits tough, contested shots when it matters most.
✅ Elite Defense – He can shut down the opposing team’s best scorer, then hit the game-winner himself.
✅ Incredible Stamina – Plays heavy minutes, yet still has energy to take over in the clutch.
✅ Fearless Mindset – Some players shy away from big moments—Bridges thrives in them.
His ability to deliver in crunch time has made him one of the most exciting players in the league today.
Bridges has already racked up some incredible achievements in his young career:
π₯ NBA Champion (Villanova, 2016 & 2018)
π₯ NBA All-Defensive Team Selection
π₯ Career-High 45-Point Game with the Nets
π₯ Helped Lead the Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals
π₯ One of the League’s Best Two-Way Players
And at just 27 years old, his best years are still ahead of him. π
With his elite defense, clutch scoring, and leadership, Bridges has the potential to:
✅ Become a multi-time NBA All-Star ⭐
✅ Lead Brooklyn deep into the NBA Playoffs π―
✅ Win Defensive Player of the Year for his lockdown ability π
✅ One day become a championship-winning franchise player π
Right now, he’s one of the best two-way players in basketball—but he’s still improving every season. Could he be the next superstar to lead a team to a title?
Mikal Bridges was once overlooked, but now he’s proving that he’s one of the most clutch, well-rounded players in the NBA. His legendary game-winning shots, elite defense, and ability to take over games in crunch time make him a future superstar.
As the leader of the Brooklyn Nets, Bridges has the chance to rewrite his legacy. The next time the game is on the line, don’t be surprised if he’s the one taking the last shot… and hitting it. π₯
π¬ Do you think Mikal Bridges is a future NBA superstar? Drop your thoughts in the comments! ππ₯π