Mikal Bridges reached an impressive milestone Tuesday night.
The Nets’ Ironman played in his 500th consecutive game in the team’s 104-91 loss to the Pelicans at Barclays Center, making it the longest active streak in the NBA.
Bridges has yet to miss a game since debuting with the Suns in the 2018-19 season.
“Nobody’s seen any practice that he doesn’t miss,” head coach Kevin Ollie said. “Everyone is focused on the game, but he also participates in practice, and watching him train in the dark and do what he needs to do when no one is watching is a great feeling for me. is even more impressive than the game. He’s never missed anything, he’s always there. It’s a great accomplishment for him. I know this is a huge accomplishment for him and a huge accomplishment for the organization. 500 times. It’s a big time.”
Bridges played for Team USA at last summer’s FIBA World Cup, but there have been concerns that he is becoming fatigued as the season continues.
His scoring output and shooting efficiency have both declined in recent weeks.
He played 32 minutes Tuesday but struggled again.
He had a lackluster 4-of-11 shooting, but finished with 15 points.
Have the Nets considered limiting his playing time?
“We always talk to the medical team,” Olly said. “We think about what’s best for the organization, what’s best for the players. … We all talk about that. If something like that happens, we make the decision that’s best for Mikal.” We’re going to make the decision that’s going to be the best for our organization. We’re going to support him and do everything we can for him and hope he continues to make shots.”
Bridges is still a long way from matching AC Green’s all-time record of playing in 1,192 consecutive games.
Dayron Sharpe had a career-high 17 rebounds on Tuesday, but he was aware of his shortcomings.
“When I looked closely, I had four hits in 11 at bats.” [shooting from the field]” Sharp said. “We’re shooting layups, so we’ve got to finish better around the rim. And don’t turn the ball over.”
Barclays Center is set to undergo a dramatic transformation.
BSE Global has announced that it will renovate its Barclays Center suite.
Led by architecture firm Populous, Barclays Center will completely revamp Suite Level B, replacing the existing 30 suites with two expansive, luxurious suites named The Row and The Key.
Membership for both clubs includes access to all Nets and Liberty games.
Construction is expected to be completed before the Nets begin the 2024-25 season.
