New York Post

Hartenstei­n’s Iron Man streak ends at 164 games

- By STEFAN BONDY

Isaiah Hartenstei­n’s Iron Man streak is officially over but his replacemen­ts put in a very capable performanc­e.

Jericho Sims and Precious Achiuwa combined for the Knicks center minutes and helped.

Hartenstei­n was ruled out of Tuesday’s game against the Nets with an inflamed and sore Achilles, an injury that has bothered him since at least last season.

The 25-year-old had played in 164 straight games, including Saturday when he aggravated the injury against the Raptors. Jericho Sims, used sparingly this season, started in his place at Barclays Center and collected four blocks in the opening quarter, a confidence-builder for a player who hadn’t logged meaningful minutes since he suffered a sprained ankle in December.

Achiuwa served as the backup and played the fourth quarter as the Knicks mounted a furious comeback in their 108-103 win. “[They were] amazing,” Julius Randle said. “Precious gave us big minutes. Jericho gave us big minutes. Protecting the rim. Jericho was great protecting the rim in the first half. Precious just being in the right spots, getting us extra possession­s rebounding the ball. Defending guards. All that type of stuff. Gave us a lot of versatilit­y.”

It’s unclear how long they’ll need to carry this load. Hartenstei­n is considered “day-today,” according to Tom Thibodeau.

Hartenstei­n managed Achilles pain for much of last season but never missed a game. With his Achilles health in mind, Hartenstei­n told The Post that he turned down an opportunit­y to play in the summer for Germany at the FIBA World Cup.

“It wasn’t like I’m hurt, it’s that I wanted to make sure I’m fully healthy going into next season,” Hartenstei­n said at the beginning of this campaign.

➤ Tyra Banks, the supermodel/TV personalit­y, showed up courtside Tuesday at Barclays Center with two people dressed as neon wolves.

The furry costumed folks, with Banks sitting between them, started stroking each other when they got on the arena camera. A Nets spokesman said they were filming a show. Then they all left at halftime, abandoning the seats.

“Nah [they weren’t distractin­g],” Josh Hart said. “But I was like, ‘What are they?’ ”

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