The Unbreakable: Has Mikal Bridges Ever Missed An NBA Game? (The True Story Behind The 'Iron Man' Streak)

As of December 15, 2025, Mikal Bridges has not missed a single game in his entire professional NBA career. This is not a typo or an exaggeration. Since being drafted in 2018, the forward has maintained an "Iron Man" streak that is not only the longest active streak in the league but is also one of the most remarkable records in modern basketball history. He has suited up for every single regular-season game for the Phoenix Suns, the Brooklyn Nets, and now the New York Knicks.

This incredible display of durability and commitment has seen Bridges extend his consecutive games played streak past the 570-game mark, a testament to his elite conditioning and a playing style that minimizes injury risk. While the record is definitive, his journey to maintaining it involves a few dramatic, streak-saving moments that have become legendary among NBA fans and media.

Mikal Bridges: Biography and Career Profile

Mikal Bridges’ journey to becoming one of the NBA’s most durable and versatile players is marked by consistent growth and high-level success at every stage of his career.

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• Full Name: Mikal Bridges
• Nickname: The Warden (due to his elite defense)
• Date of Birth: August 30, 1996
• Hometown: Malvern, Pennsylvania
• Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
• Shoots: Right
• Current Team: New York Knicks (as of 2024-2025 season)
• College: Villanova University (2014–2018)
• NBA Draft: 2018 / Round 1 / Pick 10 (Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers, immediately traded to the Phoenix Suns)
• Key Career Highlights:
  • 2× NCAA Champion (2016, 2018)
  • Julius Erving Award (2018)
  • Third-team All-American (2018)
  • NBA All-Defensive First Team (2022)
• Career Trades:
  • Draft Night: Traded from 76ers to Suns (2018)
  • Mid-Season: Traded from Suns to Brooklyn Nets in the Kevin Durant blockbuster deal (February 2023)
  • Off-Season: Traded from Nets to New York Knicks (July 2024)

The Active NBA Iron Man: A Streak of Over 570 Consecutive Games

Mikal Bridges is the undisputed active leader in consecutive games played. His streak began on the very first day of his professional career and has continued without interruption through multiple seasons, a massive trade, and the inherent physical toll of the NBA schedule.

What makes this feat so remarkable is its rarity in the modern NBA. Load management, minor injuries, and coach's decisions often lead to players sitting out a handful of games each season. Bridges, however, has managed to avoid the injury report entirely, a credit to his genetics, rigorous training regimen, and commitment to recovery.

His streak is not just a testament to his durability but also to his value. The fact that three different franchises—the Suns, the Nets, and the Knicks—have consistently featured him in their starting lineups or rotations highlights his indispensable two-way play. He is a premier 3-and-D wing whose presence is essential to team success, making it difficult for any coach to justify a rest day.

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Two Moments That Nearly Snapped the Unbreakable Record

While the answer to "Has Mikal Bridges ever missed a game?" is a resounding "No," his streak has been tested on at least two occasions. These moments are key to understanding the full story of his "Iron Man" status.

The Trade Technicality That Saved the Streak

The most significant threat to Bridges' consecutive games record came in February 2023, following the seismic trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns. As part of that deal, Bridges was sent to the Brooklyn Nets.

The trade was approved by the NBA too late on the day of the Nets' game against the Chicago Bulls. As a result, Bridges was physically unable to report to his new team in time to play. He was officially listed on the injury report as "inactive — trade pending."

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Crucially, the NBA ruled that a game missed due to a pending trade—a logistical, non-injury-related issue outside the player's control—would not count against a player's consecutive games streak. This technicality, which is a key part of the league's record-keeping, preserved his incredible run, allowing him to suit up for the Nets' next game and continue the record.

The Infamous Four-Second Appearance

Another moment of controversy and commitment occurred at the end of the 2022-2023 season. Bridges was with the Brooklyn Nets, and the team was preparing for the playoffs. To ensure his streak continued without risking injury in a meaningless final regular-season game, a plan was devised.

In a game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Bridges started and played for exactly four seconds. He immediately committed a foul and was substituted out of the game, never to return. This brief appearance was enough to officially credit him with having played in the game, thus extending his streak.

While some fans and media criticized the move as "cheap" or a manipulation of the rules, it was a practical decision by the team to honor his commitment to the streak while still prioritizing rest for the upcoming postseason. It remains a famous anecdote in the history of NBA "Iron Men."

Mikal Bridges vs. NBA All-Time Consecutive Games Leaders

Mikal Bridges’ streak is not just the longest active run; it is rapidly climbing the all-time list. To put his achievement into perspective, here is how his current run compares to some of the greatest durability streaks in NBA history:

• A.C. Green: 1,192 consecutive games (The All-Time NBA Record)
• Randy Smith: 906 consecutive games
• Johnny Kerr: 844 consecutive games
• Mikal Bridges: Over 570 consecutive games (Active Leader)

Bridges is currently ranked in the top 15 all-time and is rapidly approaching the top 10. To catch A.C. Green's seemingly untouchable record, Bridges would need to play every game for several more seasons, but his current pace and commitment suggest he is one of the few players with a realistic chance of challenging the mark.

The Secrets Behind Bridges' Unmatched Durability

The question of how Bridges has maintained this streak for eight seasons is a topic of fascination. His ability to consistently log heavy minutes—often leading the league in total miles covered on the court—without succumbing to injury is a rare feat in the modern, high-impact game.

Experts point to several factors:

1. Elite Conditioning: Bridges is known for his exceptional cardiovascular fitness, allowing him to recover faster than many of his peers.
2. Low-Impact Style: While he is an aggressive defender, his offensive game is often fluid and reliant on movement and shooting, reducing the number of high-collision plays.
3. Pre-NBA History: His "Iron Man" status actually began in college. Bridges played in all 116 games during his three seasons at Villanova, setting a precedent for his professional career. He has reportedly not missed a game since high school.
4. Positional Versatility: As a wing, he is often less involved in the heavy, repeated contact that centers and power forwards endure in the paint.

In conclusion, Mikal Bridges has not missed an NBA game since his professional debut. His streak is a marvel of modern sports science, dedication, and a little bit of luck, solidifying his legacy as the NBA's preeminent "Iron Man."