Mikal Bridges is officially in the DPOY conversation after giving Steph Curry one of his worst shooting nights ever

Typically, the Defensive Player of the Year award goes to a big man. It has for 17 out of the last 20 years. Only Kawhi Leonard and Metta World Peace have won the award in that span by playing defense on the perimeter.

But I’m here today to let you know that Mikal Bridges should strongly be considered as the latest addition to that group.

The Suns’ wing has played stellar defense locking folks up all season long and has been a steady, two-way force for the Suns. That goes without saying. He’s very good at what he does. But you know how these awards go. If you’re winning an award, you have to have a signature moment.

And Bridges just had his. He forced Stephen Curry into one of his worse shooting nights ever. EVER.

Look at this stat.

Steph Curry just had the worst shooting night of his career when attempting at least 20 shots, via @NBAonTNT

Mikal Bridges locked up Steph tonight. 🔒 pic.twitter.com/4fUFVqVrC0

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) December 1, 2021

And it wasn’t just Steph, either. Bridges is actually on quite a bit of a run.

Mikal Bridges Last 2 Assignments

James Harden:
12 pts
4-15 FG
0-6 3P
7 turnovers

Steph Curry:
12 pts
4-21 FG
3-14 3P
2 turnover

Your DPOY pick not locking up MVPs on a nightly basis? Well… that ain’t ur DPOY then👨‍🦯 pic.twitter.com/CPha7GzBFi

— Khiz (@KhizHoops) December 1, 2021

Fans were absolutely here for the Bridges love.