Mikal Bridges took the loophole to take care of his streak.
The Knicks guard began the season finale and logged simply six seconds earlier than purposefully fouling a Nets participant and darting to the bench for the rest of Sunday’s 113–105 win over the tanking Nets.
Technically, it represented Bridges’ 556th consecutive recreation performed – virtually double the variety of No. 2 Harrison Barnes, whose streak hit 304 on Sunday.
Tom Thibodeau stated Bridges “earned the right” to take a look at after checking the attendance field.
“A tribute to him, he’s worked hard to put himself in that position,” the Knicks coach stated. “He should be commended for (the streak).”
It was not less than the third time Bridges was subbed out rapidly to maintain the streak intact. Coincidentally, all three had been inside Barclays Heart.
Final season, as a member of the Nets, he performed solely 12 minutes whereas different starters rested in a December recreation in opposition to the Bucks. In Brooklyn’s season finale two years in the past, Bridges was eliminated after simply 4 seconds of a loss to the Sixers.
Then, on Sunday, he was the one common starter obtainable in a recreation that was meaningless to either side. The Knicks (51-31), who secured their most wins since 2013, operated prefer it was a preseason affair. PJ Tucker, Miles McBride, Cam Payne and Treasured Achiuwa began, with rookies Pacome Dadiet, Tyler Kolek and Kevin McCullar Jr. getting rotational minutes.
Landry Shamet, who changed Bridges after six seconds, led all scorers with 29 factors.
Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Cities, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson all rested. The resting technique ought to’ve been anticipated – most NBA groups take that route as of late – however solely questioned as a result of Thibodeau animatedly expressed his want to ascertain a rhythm heading into the playoffs.
“We got to get it fixed fast,” the coach stated after New York blew a 23-point result in the Cavs on Friday.
However then the Knicks selected relaxation over rhythm.
Conversely, the Pistons, who face the Knicks within the opening spherical subsequent weekend, performed most of their starters – albeit restricted minutes – of their season finale Sunday.
Thibodeau stated there have been well being considerations and, with a number of practices scheduled earlier than the playoffs begin, there’s theoretically time to handle the problems of a disappointing finish to the common season.
So the priorities Sunday had been sustaining well being and Bridges’ streak.
“It’s a compilation of things going into this game,” the coach stated. “Some guys are banged up a little bit so you don’t want to risk getting hit in an area that could set them back further. That’s probably the biggest thing. Then other guys are, they’ve done a good job to put themselves in position where we have this week to prepare. So whatever we feel in talking to the medical staff, their input is huge in this as well, what’s the best thing for our team and that’s what we’re going to put in the forefront.”
