Johnny Kerr's 844-Game Consecutive Streak

 Johnny "Red" Kerr had an incredible consecutive game streak of 844 games that began on October 31, 1954, in the Syracuse Nationals’ season opener against the Minneapolis Lakers at the Onondaga County War Memorial in Syracuse, New York. One of Kerr's teammates this season was Paul Seymour, who plays a part later in the story.

Kerr, then 22 years old and in his first NBA season, started at forward and played 17 minutes. He scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, but the Nationals lost 97-94.

Notable close calls that jeopardized the streak:

March 10, 1957- Kerr played the final 5 seconds of the game, grabbing a rebound to help secure a 94-92 win over the Boston Celtics. Paul Seymour was acting as player-coach that season, taking over for Al Cervi who left early in the schedule. Bob Cousy playing in his first game since Feb. 22 (9 games). Seymour kept Johnny out of the game as "Kerr does not usually do well against Russell, and Seymour kept him out of action until the final seconds."

November 30, 1957- Played 2 minutes. Paul Seymour is still coach. The Nats lost to the Celtics, 118-112. Bob Hopkins was assigned to guard his cousin, Bill Russell. Bob Cousy plays for first time in 3 games. Kerr's line: 1 of 2 from the floor, 1 of 1 free throws, 1 rebound for 3 points.

March 3, 1960- There is a pattern here: played 3 minutes. Paul Seymour is coach. Nats defeat Celtics, 149-108 at the Onondaga County War Memorial. "With lame Johnny Kerr playing only three minutes to keep alive his record of never having missed a pro game, Bobby Hopkins matched the 13 rebounds by Bill Russell."

The streak lasted until November 4, 1965, when Kerr was playing for the Baltimore Bullets, coached by former teammate Paul Seymour. In a 108-107 loss to the New York Knicks, Kerr played 35 minutes and shot 1 for 11, had 7 rebounds and one assist for 5 total points.

Kerr did not play in the next game vs. Boston (of all teams) on Nov. 5, 1965.

"That's how it ended. Paul Seymour just decided not to use me. This was the same Paul Seymour with whom I played in Syracuse on a world championship team." - Johnny Kerr.

After the game, Seymour told reporters: "The Streak had to end sometime." Paul Seymour was there when the streak started, helped the streak continue on a few occasions, and finally ended it 11 years later.

As of today, Kerr's streak is the third longest in NBA history behind A.C. Green (1,192) and Randy Smith (906).

Sources:
“Nats Shade Celts Again, Clinch Playoff Spot.” Syracuse Post Standard. 11 Mar 1957:12. NewspaperArchive.com. Web. 17 Feb 2026.

“Celtics Rally to Win Over Nats, 118 to 112.” Syracuse Post Standard. 1 Dec 1957:35. NewspaperArchive.com. Web. 12 May 2024.

Andrews, Jack. “Nats Bombard Celtics for 149 to 108 Victory.” Syracuse Post Standard. 4 Mar 1960:15, 17. NewspaperArchive.com. Web. 27 Aug 2020.

Johnny Kerr, Terry Pluto, Bull Session (Chicago: Henry Regnery Company, 1969), 238–239.


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Location: Pea Ridge, AR, USA

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