Mikal Bridges of the New York Knicks concluded the regular season Sunday by playing a mere 23 seconds in the team's finale against the Charlotte Hornets. This brief appearance was sufficient to extend his consecutive games played streak to 638 games, the longest active streak in the NBA. The strategy ensured Bridges' remarkable record of availability remained intact while the Knicks, having already secured the Eastern Conference's third seed, rested key players.
The Knicks wing's feat is now the eighth longest in NBA history. Prior to the game, coach Mike Brown indicated the intention was to allow Bridges to participate just long enough to maintain the streak. Reserve Jordan Clarkson was reportedly preparing to substitute for Bridges even before the opening tip-off. Bridges committed a foul during the Knicks' defensive possession early in the game, prompting the early exit.
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This maneuver is not unprecedented for Bridges. Previously, he managed to play 83 games in a standard 82-game season following a mid-season trade from the Phoenix Suns to the Brooklyn Nets. His overall commitment to playing, even through various team situations, highlights a significant personal marker of durability in a league often characterized by player load management and injury concerns. The league-wide tendency to rest star players for postseason preservation often stands in contrast to such individual endurance milestones.
