Mikal Bridges has extended his remarkable game streak into the next season.
In Sunday’s game against the Hornets, the Knicks guard made history by committing a foul just 23 seconds after the game began, effectively forcing a substitution.
Coach Mike Brown took the initiative to play Bridges in what was a meaningless season finale.
“His streak is incredible, and I wouldn’t want to be the one to end it,” he noted.
Bridges now sits eighth on the all-time list with 638 consecutive games played, surpassing this season’s most talked-about players, including John Stockton and Andre Miller. His achievement becomes even more significant in an age where load management is quite common. Since the 1980s, no player has matched his consecutive game appearances.
“It’s astonishing, considering how prevalent load management is,” Brown observed. “Everyone’s aware of it—not just medical teams but coaches and players alike. So, for someone to achieve those numbers in consecutive games is quite a statement.”
At 29 years old, Bridges hasn’t missed a game since his high school days. He maintained a perfect attendance at Villanova and participated in 83 games during the 2022-23 NBA season, having been traded midway through.
“I want to play every day for those who are watching,” Bridges said earlier this month upon reaching No. 8 on the all-time list. “This is who I am. I haven’t witnessed much of that list, but I hope it’ll be cool one day. Maybe someday, we’ll have kids, and I can brag about this.”
However, catching the top spot seems unlikely. It would require nearly seven more seasons for Bridges to surpass AC Green’s legendary record of 1,192 consecutive games played from 1986 to 2001.
That said, if he stays healthy, Bridges could potentially reach the top four by the end of next season. He has recently been treating a right shooting hand issue, yet played without being listed on any injury report. Since joining the Knicks, he has been more cautious, averaging just 1.3 foul shots per game over the last two seasons, which reduces his risk of injury.
This season hasn’t been statistically impressive for Bridges, who averaged only 14.2 points—the lowest since the 2021-22 season.
In this era, though, his achievement stands in a league of its own. Harrison Barnes was the only active player coming close to Bridges’ streak but fell short after receiving a DNP in March.
Despite the game against the Hornets being inconsequential for the Knicks, who were already secured as the No. 3 seed, Brown felt it was essential for Bridges to play briefly. Interestingly, this marks the third time in four years that Bridges has been on the court for less than 15 seconds in a final game.
Last season, he was taken out after six seconds; three years prior, it was just four seconds with the Nets.
So even if there are some caveats, the streak is undeniably impressive.
“I think he will be fine playing a few seconds to maintain his streak,” Brown remarked. “But ultimately, I’m managing this carefully. He’s on a winning streak, and I want that to continue without risking any injuries.”
