Mikal Bridges extends iron-man streak with loophole as Knicks rest starters in season-finale win over Nets

Mikal Bridges took the loophole to maintain his streak.The Knicks guard started the season finale and logged just six seconds before purposefully fouling a Nets player and darting to the bench for the remainder of Sunday’s 113–105 win over the tanking Nets.Technically, it represented Bridges’ 556th consecutive game played – almost double the number of No.2 Harrison Barnes, whose streak hit 304 on Sunday.Tom Thibodeau said Bridges “earned the right” to check out after checking the attendance box.“A tribute to him, he’s worked hard to put himself in that position,” the Knicks coach said.

“He should be commended for (the streak).”It was at least the third time Bridges was subbed out quickly to keep the streak intact.Coincidentally, all three were inside Barclays Center.Last season, as a member of the Nets, he played only 12 minutes while other starters rested in a December game against the Bucks.

In Brooklyn’s season finale two years ago, Bridges was removed after just four seconds of a loss to the Sixers.Then, on Sunday, he was the only regular starter available in a game that was meaningless to both sides.The Knicks (51-31), who secured their most wins since 2013, operated like it was a preseason affair.

PJ Tucker, Miles McBride, Cam Payne and Precious Achiuwa started, with rookies Pacome Dadiet, Tyler Kolek and Kevin McCullar Jr.getting rotational minutes.Landry Shamet, who replaced Bridges after six seconds, led all scorers with 29 points.Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson all rested.

The resting strategy should’ve been expected – most NBA teams take that route these days – but only questioned because Thibodeau animatedly expressed his desire to establish a rhythm heading into the playoffs.“We got to get it fixed fast,” the coach said after New York blew a 23-point lead to the Cavs on Friday.But then the Knicks chose rest over rhythm.Conversely, the Pistons, who face the Knicks in the...