Green Dons A Mask, Keeps Streak Alive By Playing Vs. Utah

A.C. Green wasn’t about to let a few missing teeth force him to miss playing his 785th consecutive game.

After having his two front teeth knocked out from an elbow thrown by the Knicks’ J.R. Reid in Phoenix’s win over New York on Sunday, Green was fitted with a mask and played Monday night against the Utah Jazz.

Green’s streak is the longest among active players and third longest in NBA history, behind Randy Smith’s 906 and John Kerr’s 844.

Reid, meanwhile, was suspended by the NBA for two games and fined $10,000 - the stiffest penalty in league history for a flagrant elbow.

Reid missed the Knicks game Monday night against the Los Angeles Lakers and is to sit out Wednesday night’s game against Sacramento.

Reid was not allowed at the Forum for the game against the Lakers, but a team spokesman read a statement from him.

“I’m sorry that it happened, but sometimes these things happen during the heat of a game,” he said. “I am really upset right now and I’ve most upset since we’re so shorthanded. I’ve let my teammates down.”