Tristan Thompson Passes Cavs Legend, Moves To Sixth All-Time In Games Played

Cleveland Cavaliers big man Tristan Thompson continued his climb up the franchise history books, passing Austin Carr in games played for sixth place.

Checking in for his 17th game of the 2023-24 NBA season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Tristan Thompson moved up in franchise history.

With his 636th appearance as a member of the wine-and-gold in the regular season, Thompson passed "Mr. Cavalier" Austin Carr on the all-time games played list. 

"T-Top" is now sixth in that category for the Cavs, an organization that has been in existence since 1970.

Next up on the list for Thompson to vault into the top-five is John "Hot Rod" Williams, who suited up 661 times for Cleveland.

It was fitting that the night Thompson made history, he carried a plus-21 and gave the Cavs a huge lift off the bench with Evan Mobley out due to a knee injury and Jarrett Allen needing a spell.

Dec 8, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry (7) shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (12) during the second half at Kaseya Center / Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Double T played 16 crucial minutes, posting five points and pulling down three rebounds. But it's always been his impact as a quick-foot defender, hard-setting screener and a hustler on the glass that have made him the player he is.

"Tristan is a pro," Cavs head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said earlier in the season in October after playing the New York Knicks.. "He has a ton of energy, he knows the value of the little things. He knows to play off of other guys, like, he knows when to stay out of the way, he knows when to present himself.

"His leadership and understanding of the game, his approach to the game, is why we wanted him to be a part of this group."