Brooklyn Nets: Mikal Bridges and Tyneeha Rivers share gems with Fans
BROOKLYN, NY — Perseverance was the theme of Thursday night's panel at Barclays Center. Mikal Bridges and his mother, Tyneeha Rivers, sat down exclusively with Nets Level Members and shared their incredible journey.
It wasn't always courtside and luxurious living for NBA mom Tyneeha Rivers. Rivers clarified that she had faced many challenges while raising Mikal as a teen. Rivers, a strong-willed woman on a mission, was multitasking as she kept striving relentlessly to juggle jobs and pursue her education, all as a single mother. Despite the circumstances, Rivers had a vision for her and her son, Mikal, which was a success.
Photo Credit: NY Post
“I told Mikal when he was little that he was going to be faced with adversity and challenges, but you have to keep going," Rivers stated, adding, "You are bigger than your obstacles." While raising Mikal in Philadelphia, Rivers' hardworking actions mirrored what it would take to succeed in this world. As a child, Bridges saw his mother making the necessary moves to create a better life for them as she bulldozed through every obstacle they faced, and he noted that.
"It was important for him (Mikal) to see that in me," Rivers stated, referring to her hard work and resilience. "I just knew I wanted to be successful and always wanted to ensure my son was successful. So, if he did not see what it takes to get there – that you had to be gritty, you had to work hard, then he wouldn't understand his journey and what it would take to get to where he is today," Rivers added, "I wanted my path to be a testament of where he would be, and that he knew he had to grind to get there."
PHOTO CREDIT: SWB
Now, a two-time NBA champion, it's safe to say that Bridges learned what it takes to excel in life by learning from one of the best to do it, his mom. And a proud mom, Rivers described the surrealness of watching her son's dreams come to fruition. When asked what he learned from his mother and her stoic journey, Mikal adjusted himself in his seat and pondered for a small moment. It was evident that Rivers had taught him so much, but not giving up stood out for Mikal the most, as he firmly said, "Quitting is not an option." Mikal looked at his mother, who was smiling proudly. "She taught me that better days are coming, and I stuck with that," he added.
After a few hugs and laughs, the final moments ended with an exclamation mark as a Nets Level member asked Bridges to indulge in the importance of supporting the WNBA. Bridges loved this question as he expressed how his attendance at the New York Liberty games creates a massive impact. Bridges went on to describe how he loves the fundamentals used in the WNBA and how he, as a player, takes away from their games by using key moves such as the step-through and pump-fake, where you see these moves executed primarily on WNBA games. Bridges emphasized the difference in the NBA as they get away with a lot; however, in the WNBA, the fundamentals are exercised more as they implement it into their game in sheer perfection.
Bridges highlighted the importance of fans attending, mentioning, "The atmosphere at Liberty games is crazy - it gets super loud!" New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu, who shares her home turf with the Nets, showed out against Golden State Warrior Stephan Curry during a historical 3-Point contest showdown. Ionescu fell short with 26 as Curry stirred up 29 points in the seconds. It’s moments like these that create a magnitude of difference, and this is only the beginning!
The panel discussion concluded with Bridges hugging his mother as they sealed the event, leaving the fans eager for more. Their journey, their story, highlights perseverance at its finest. Bridges' journey with the Nets emphasizes all he has learned from his mother, and giving up and quitting is never an option. In the end, better days are ahead!
Better days are ahead, indeed.
A day after Valentine’s Day, battling the Miami Heat, Bridges scored a career-high 45 points (17-24 FG, 4-6 3P) with 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. His previous career-high was 34 points. At the end of the game, he could be found rushing to give his jersey to his mom.
Better days are ahead, and we’re excited to see what’s to come next for this duo and their special story.
