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).”

Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) checks out of a game against the Nets early in the first quarter on April 13, 2025. AP

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.

Mikal Bridges (25) greets Cam Payne (1) during the Knicks’ win over the Nets on April 13, 2025. NBAE via Getty Images

Conversely, the Pistons, who face the Knicks in the opening round next weekend, played most of their starters – albeit limited minutes – in their season finale Sunday.

Thibodeau said there were health concerns and, with multiple practices scheduled before the playoffs start, there’s theoretically time to address the issues of a disappointing end to the regular season.

So the priorities Sunday were maintaining health and Bridges’ streak.

“It’s a compilation of things going into this game,” the coach said. “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.”