Fifty-one words.

Sometimes, that’s all it takes to make a difference, to change an opinion, to reveal a strand of character that too often seems elusive in sports. Fifty-one words can get that done. Fifty-one words did get this done. Mikal Bridges has always seemed like he resides in the 99th percentile of athletes who get it, who are willing to own their mistakes.

Who don’t merely preach accountability, but practice it.

Wednesday night in Toronto he proved it’s actually the 100th percentile.