“Like That Spongebob Meme”: Mikal Bridges Marinates in Nets’ Sorrowful Culture, Forcing Best Friend to Make Damning Statement

The New York Knicks decimated their city rivals, the Brooklyn Nets, at MSG last night to take a 3-0 season series lead. In only a few seasons, the Knicks have gone from being second fiddle to Brooklyn’s Big 3 to dominating them in the East. A major reason for the Knicks’ recent success has been the incredible performance of Villanova boys Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo. Meanwhile, their old teammate Mikal Bridges is marinating in the Nets’ sorrowful culture, trying to stay afloat.

Jalen Brunson and Co. are currently seeded 5th in the Eastern Conference and hoping to make a deep run in the playoffs. On the other hand, Brooklyn is struggling to even make it to the play-in tournament. After watching Mikal Bridges struggle with the Nets from a distance, his best friend Josh Hart brought out a unique analogy to describe his old teammate’s situation. Hart said in a recent interview, “It’s like that SpongeBob meme when Squidward is looking out the window, and he sees SpongeBob and Patrick having fun… [Mikal] is Squidward.”

While referencing a cartoon character might sound strange, Josh Hart’s comment seems like the perfect description for what Mikal Bridges is facing. Bridges is watching his Villanova teammates thrive with the Knicks while he tries to keep the Nets afloat in a losing situation. The Nets have failed to build a winning culture like the Knicks. They dropped the ball massively with the Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. Now, the Nets are bouncing from one head coach to another with stars who are not even available to play, desperately wishing to make something good happen.

Villanova Takes Over NBA With Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson & More

Despite the healthy on-court competition between the Villanova teammates, all of them will be happy to see each other thriving in the NBA. The Villanova boys have taken over the league in a short span. Jalen Brunson has turned into a superstar for the Knicks and become one of the best guards in the league. His teammates, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo, are also having incredible seasons and have been key contributors to the Knicks’ success.

Even Mikal Bridges has had a decent individual year despite the Nets’ season struggles. He is averaging 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists and has the potential to be a key player in a Championship contending team. Bridges proved his mettle when he was with the Phoenix Suns as he helped them reach the NBA Finals in 2021. He might soon join a new team when his Brooklyn tenure ends and return to playing Championship basketball. Villanova has produced great young NBA talent in recent years, and it will be interesting to see what lies ahead for these old teammates.

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