Nets’ Mikal Bridges not happy how games streak was extended

Mikal Bridges extended his consecutive games played streak to 423 on Wednesday night.

In hindsight, he may have preferred it come to an end based on how he was used.

The Nets’ star wing played the entire first quarter, along with fellow regulars Royce O’Neale and Cam Thomas, and then sat the rest of the game.

It was a predetermined plan.

The Nets also didn’t play Spencer Dinwiddie (rest), Dorian Finney-Smith (left knee soreness), Cam Johnson (right knee sprain/injury maintenance) and Nic Claxton (left ankle sprain/injury maintenance) in their 144-122 loss to the Bucks at Barclays Center that started a stretch of five games in eight days.

“The streak is, I guess, for everyone else to talk about. But I don’t just get in there for the streak,” Bridges said. “I get in there to play the game and because I want to go out there and win. I don’t go in there to just sub in, get the streak and whatever. I just want to play.”

Before the game, coach Jacque Vaughn called it an “executive decision,” and admitted that Bridges only played because of his streak. When told of those comments, Bridges said: “I guess for their purposes is why. But I’m healthy, so I [don’t] see why I wouldn’t play.”

In his first start of the year, Day’Ron Sharpe continued his recent strong play, reaching double figures for the fourth straight game.

He also sank his first 3-pointer of the season on his seventh attempt.

“It felt great to hit my first 3. I’ve been working on it,” said Sharpe, who had 12 points, four rebounds and four assists in 16 minutes.

“I’ve got to get used to taking game reps. I feel like the longer my career goes, the better I’m going to get [shooting 3’s].”

Seldom-used rookie Jalen Wilson produced a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds across 30 strong minutes.

The former Kansas star was also a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line.

He became the first Nets rookie with a 20/10 game since Mason Plumlee had 22 points and 13 rebounds on Feb. 9, 2014 against New Orleans.