Miles Bridges is now the longest‑tenured Charlotte Hornet, but he also carries one of the strangest distinctions in the entire NBA. According to Basketball‑Reference, Bridges is currently the active leader for most games played without a playoff appearance at 501.
If Charlotte wins Friday in their second Play‑In matchup, that title shifts to Lauri Markkanen, who sits at 492 games. That alone should be motivation enough. This isn’t exactly the kind of milestone anyone wants on their resume.
It tracks, of course, because the Hornets own the league’s longest active playoff drought: nine straight seasons on the outside looking in. So the question becomes simple: what does Bridges need to deliver this week to finally step off this list and make it deeper through the brutal path of the Hornets’ postseason?
An encore performance from Tuesday night against the Miami Heat would do wonders
Bridges was a driving force behind one of the most exhilarating wins in franchise history. He logged a team‑high 43 minutes and delivered an ultra-efficient 28 points on 10‑of‑18 shooting, including 5‑of‑10 from beyond the arc. Add in nine rebounds, two assists, a steal, and three blocks, and you get one of the most complete performances he’s ever put together.
He did all of this in an overtime game while committing just two fouls and zero turnovers. Even if Bridges isn’t a primary or secondary ball-handler in most situations, zero turnovers is always a great stat. On a big stage, Bridges played like someone fully aware of the moment and ready to own it.
His acrobatic reverse layup over Kel’el Ware was a highlight‑reel masterpiece. Early in the season, Bridges’ name floated around in trade conversations, but it’s becoming clear he compliments this starting lineup very well. He brings a few strengths that the other players in Charlotte haven’t developed fully yet.
If he can come close to replicating that level of play against the Orlando Magic on Friday, Charlotte has a real shot at winning comfortably. It’s hard to imagine LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel combining for a 2‑of‑22 night from deep again, so some positive shooting regression should be on the way.
With Orlando looking lost over the last few weeks, Charlotte has the perfect opportunity to take advantage of this matchup. With Bridges playing at this level, and Ball hopefully steering clear of any unnecessary setbacks, the Hornets finally look poised to break out of their long playoff drought.
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