5 greatest NBA moments of NBA legend Junior Bridgeman

Junior Bridgeman was a hardworking NBA player famous for his steady play and ability to do many things on the court. He played 12 seasons, mostly with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he was popular as a "sixth man" (a key player who comes off the bench). His effort and skill made him a Bucks legend, and his jersey number (2) was retired to honor him. After basketball, he became a very successful business owner.
1. Scoring a Career-High 41 Points Against the Boston Celtics
On December 15, 1976, Bridgeman had his best scoring game ever while playing against the Boston Celtics. He scored 41 points, which was the highest number of points he ever scored in a single game during his career. Even though the Milwaukee Bucks lost the game 129–125, Bridgeman’s incredible effort and skill stood out. This game became one of the most memorable moments of his career.

2. Leading the Bucks in the 1981 Eastern Conference semifinals
In the 1981 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers, Bridgeman showcased his playoff prowess by scoring a career playoff-high 32 points and recording six assists in Game 1. Although the Bucks lost the game, Bridgeman's leadership and scoring were amazing throughout the series, underscoring his importance to the team during critical postseason moments.
3. Consistent Scoring as a Sixth Man
Bridgeman was famous for being a “sixth man,” which means he didn’t start games but came off the bench to help the team. For nine straight seasons, he scored 10 or more points per game in this role. Fans and teammates knew they could count on him to deliver points whenever he stepped onto the court, making him one of the best bench players of his time.
4. Integral Role in Multiple Division Titles
Bridgeman was a key part of the Milwaukee Bucks’ success in the early 1980s. His steady play helped the team win multiple Central Division titles, especially in the 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1984 seasons. During these years, his contributions on both ends of the court made the Bucks a strong, competitive team.
5. Jersey Number Retirement by the Milwaukee Bucks
To honor Bridgeman’s impact on the team, the Milwaukee Bucks retired his jersey number (2) in 1988. This means no other Bucks player will ever wear that number again, as a way to celebrate his legacy. This special honor shows how much the team and fans appreciated his years of hard work, leadership, and loyalty. It remains a lasting reminder of his importance to the Bucks’ history.
Also read: Heartbroken NBA Fans showered heartfelt tribute to Junior Bridgeman
Junior Bridgeman’s NBA career is remembered for these amazing moments and his total dedication to helping his team win. Whether he started the game or came off the bench, he always played at a high level. This made him one of the most reliable and trusted players of his time.