Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges made history on Sunday when he played in his 83rd game of the season. Whether it counts, given that he only played four seconds with the express intention of keeping his streak of games played alive, is a worthy question, but in any event, he became the 42nd player to win in more than 82 games in a season appeared, and the first since Josh Smith in 2015.
Bridges has now “played” 392 consecutive games, which is the longest active streak in the NBA. The longest such streak in NBA history belongs to AC Green – who also had some questionable “appearances” – with 1,192 games.
Of course, Bridges was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Nets on the deadline of the blockbuster Kevin Durant deal, and the way the two teams’ schedules were set up gave him the opportunity to play more than a full schedule. The most incredible example of that phenomenon occurred in 1968-69 when Walt Bellamy played a record 88 games for the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons. The Knicks had a front-loaded schedule, while the Pistons had a back-loaded schedule that allowed Bellamy to make history.
(Quick side note: taking a look at Bellamy’s gamelog from that season is another reminder of how different things are these days. Prior to the trade, Bellamy played in three different back-to-back-to-backs with the Knicks. Even more remarkable is that on one they traveled from New York to Milwaukee to Phoenix, and on another from New York to Detroit to Seattle.)
While Bridges didn’t catch Bellamy’s goal, he did earn a spot as captain of this season’s “All-82 Team.” Here’s a look at the other players who are dressed well every night this season.
Captain: Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets
- 83 games (the first time in his career, had previously played 82 games on two other occasions)
- Averages: 20.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.1 steals
Note: First player to play more than 82 games in a season since 2015
Guard: Derrick White, Boston Celtics
- 82 games (first time in his career)
- Averages: 12.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists
Forward: Pat Williams, Chicago Bulls
- 82 games (first time in his career)
- Averages: 10.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists
Forward: Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings
- 82 games (first time in his career)
- Averages: 15.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists
Center: Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls
- 82 games (first time in his career)
- Averages: 17.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists
Bench: Jordan Poole, Golden State Warriors
- 82 games (first time in his career)
- Averages: 20.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists
Bench: Tari Eason, Houston Rockets
- 82 games (first time in his career)
- Averages: 9.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists
Note: First rookie to play in all 82 games since 2018-19
Bench: KJ Martin, Houston Rockets
- 82 games (first time in his career)
- Averages: 12.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists
Bench: Kevon Looney, Golden State Warriors
- 82 games (second time in his career)
- Averages: 7.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists
Bench: Isaiah Hartenstein, New York Knicks
- 82 games (first time in his career)
- Averages: 4.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists
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There were 10 players who appeared in every game this season. Here’s a look at how that compares to previous seasons, decade after decade:
- 2022-23: 10 players
- 2018-19 (most recent pre-COVID season with 82 games): 21 players
- 2012-13: 28 players
- 2002-03: 46 players
- 1992-1993: 43 players
- 1982-1983: 40 players
- 1972-1973: 23 players
- 1967–68 (first season of 82 games): 26 players