Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Sets NBA Record for Most Games Played
kareem-abdul-jabbar-sets-nba-games-played-record
LOS ANGELES — On Feb. 23, 1986, Los Angeles Lakers center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar became the NBA’s all-time leader in games played, appearing in his 1,304th regular-season contest and passing Hall of Famer Elvin Hayes.
The milestone came during a 117-111 overtime victory against the Philadelphia 76ers at The Forum. Abdul-Jabbar marked the occasion with 28 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals and seven blocks.
Magic Johnson paced Los Angeles with 34 points and 11 assists, while Byron Scott added 22 points. Bench contributors Michael Cooper and A.C. Green chipped in 10 points apiece as the Lakers moved to 41-14 on the season.
Philadelphia’s frontcourt duo nearly spoiled the celebration. Charles Barkley posted 24 points and 18 rebounds, including 11 offensive boards, and Moses Malone recorded 27 points and 12 rebounds. Point guard Maurice Cheeks finished with 18 points, nine assists and four steals.
Abdul-Jabbar’s durability continued for three more seasons. He retired in 1989 with 1,560 regular-season games, a mark later eclipsed by Robert Parish, who ended his career with 1,611.
Source: Lakers Nation
