Mikal Bridges Sets NBA Record with 638 Consecutive Games Played

Mikal Bridges saw his consecutive-games streak reach 638 after a brief appearance in the New York Knicks’ game against Charlotte. He played just 23 seconds at Madison Square Garden before coming out. The short stint preserved his unbroken run since entering the league.

What happened in the game

Bridges was the only Knicks starter to take the floor. New York had already locked up the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Coach Mike Brown made clear Bridges would play only long enough to extend the streak. Jordan Clarkson was already walking to the scorer’s table to replace him before the opening jump ball.

The Knicks won the tip and took the first possession. Bridges committed a defensive foul immediately and was removed.

Streak milestone and significance

The 638 consecutive games mark moved Bridges past Andre Miller for the eighth-longest streak in NBA history. He has never missed a professional game in his career.

Bridges’ durability contrasts with modern load management practices. Brown noted that load management influences many decisions across the league.

How the streak was maintained

He logged four seconds in a regular-season finale to keep the streak alive in one season. In another finale he played six seconds to preserve the run.

Bridges spent part of 2022-23 with Phoenix, appearing in 56 games. He then was traded to Brooklyn in the deal that sent Kevin Durant to Phoenix and finished the season by playing all 27 of the Nets’ final games.

Historical context

Five players have streaks longer than 700 games. A.C. Green leads all players with 1,192 consecutive appearances.

There were 18 players who entered the final day of the regular season having played every game. Charlotte’s Sion James was set to make his 82nd game at Madison Square Garden that day.

Mikal Bridges’ 638 consecutive games underline his availability and consistency. The run remains one of the longest active streaks in the NBA.

Reporting by Filmogaz.com.