Mikal Bridges was a kid who often dreamt of playing in the NBA while growing up. But basketball wasn’t just the game that shaped him—it was the challenges, the late nights practicing alone, and the determination that drove the guy forward. Little did Bridges know that one day he would actually make it, as the bright lights of Madison Square Garden shone upon him, his story had way more than his skills to unfold! But, today we will look into his family, the people that shaped him. So, come let’s explore all his loved ones.

Where is Mikal Bridges from? Who is his family?

You may know Mikal Bridges as an NBA standout, but his journey to the biggest hoops league started long before the bright lights of Phoenix, Brooklyn, or New York. To know about who he is, we will have to deep-dive into Philadelphia, where it all started. On August 30, 1996, Bridges was born and Philly is the city that shaped him. This makes his nationality American, while his ethnicity is African-American, as the woman who raised him — his mother, Tyneesha Rivers, comes from the same ethnicity.

When you talk about Bridges’ family, Tyneesha has raised him along with his 3 brothers single-handedly. She wasn’t just any single mother, she was the backbone of their household, working two jobs while attending college! Life in Philly wasn’t easy, but his mother wouldn’t let anything stop her or her sons. Young Mikal saw his mum working late at night, writing papers and helping him with his homework, then waking up early to go to work.

Philadelphia was Tyneesha’s home, and it would also be Mikal’s, but their story took an unexpected turn when the Philadelphia 76ers drafted him in 2018. The excitement was palpable — but it was short-lived. A mere 15 minutes later, the 76ers traded him to the Suns. For her, this was another bittersweet chapter. She went from being a 76ers fan to cheering for the Suns, fully supporting her son through the trade. Her loyalty was unwavering, even though Mikal’s basketball journey now took him across the country.

On the other hand, Mikal’s father, Jack Bridges, wasn’t a figure who stood in the spotlight. Very little is known about him, but their bond was quieter and less public. But once, while talking to the New York Post, Jack shared how proud he was of his son.

“It’s been great definitely to get a chance to see him more and see him play more……He’s smart enough to understand there’s a business side of all of this, and be blessed that you’re still living your dream and have this opportunity, and make the most of it.” Jack proudly said. Meanwhile, Mikal considers someone else as his sport-father in many ways.

It was Monty Williams, the head coach of the Suns, who stepped in as a father figure into his life, offering guidance both on and off the court. Thanks to the mentorship, that helped Mikal mature into the player we recognize today!

But through it all, it was Tyneesha’s lessons in grit and determination that resonated the most. As established above, she was a full-time working single mom. She gained a human resources certificate from Villanova and a Master’s from St. Joseph’s in 2015.

Today, Tyneesha is proud to pass on her strength, which is to never give up. “He was part of that. We kind of grew up together. He was able to see that hustle and grind, what grit and determination really looks like early on. And it was easy to pass on to him.”

Years later, when the hoopster we know hit his career-high 45 points with the Brooklyn Nets, he proudly handed his jersey to his mum courtside. That moment wasn’t just about the points of the game. It was about the countless hours she’d spent supporting him, the sacrifices they made, and the dreams the Bridges family shared. She cried tears of joy, her son’s success was unfolding before her eyes.

The Knicks guard/ forward’s family extended beyond his mom. He has 3 brothers — Eric, Jack, and Korey. Eric is 4 years older than Mikal, he is the eldest of all. He didn’t join his younger brother professionally but supported him at every step of his hoop journey. Today, Eric runs a towing business. Then there is Jack, 6 years younger, who shares Mikal’s love for the hoop. Though he too didn’t pursue it professionally, his bond with his star bro was unmistakable! They often had the kind of banter that only a few could share!

And of course, Korey, the youngest of them all. At 18, he is carving out his own path, playing varsity basketball in high school. The Bridges brothers are a team in their own right — not just supporting Mikal’s games, but sharing the victories and defeats of life. No matter where Mikal’s career took him, his family remained firmly by his side.

Through the years, as Mikal’s career has evolved, so has his relationship with his family. The journey was anything but easy from Philadelphia to Phoenix, and finally back to the East Coast with the New York Knicks. But each challenge Bridges faced was met with a foundation of love, sacrifice, and grit that his mother and siblings had instilled in him. So, now that we know about his family and their life story, let’s look into the second part of this exploration – his religion.

What religion does Mikal Bridges practice?

To answer which religion Mikal Bridges follows, we do not have a clear answer now, because there is no public information about his religious beliefs. The hoopster himself has not shared details about his faith on any social media platform either. Through his Instagram, one thing is clear: he focuses more on his work, basketball, and family connections. Not even his candid interviews reflect any religious discussions. So valuing his privacy regarding this aspect of his life, it’s better for us as fans to respect his boundaries and admire his dedication to his craft, regardless of his personal beliefs.