For much of the regular season, he shied away from contact while attacking the rim, as a defender and as a rebounder. But during six games against the upstart Pistons, who thrive in a wrestling match, Bridges fought back. He closed out on shooters with more verve, stayed in front of drivers and pushed up against dribblers when picks came his way, not as impacted by giant screeners, such as Pistons mammoth Jalen Duren. “I don’t know if people thought I stopped playing (defense),” Bridges said in a conversation with The Athletic. “I know I struggled a little bit this year, but (I’m) just getting comfortable.”