In the vast history of the NBA, there have been moments that transcend conventional statistics, and one of the most intriguing phenomena is the presence of players who have spent over 20 minutes on the court without leaving a mark in points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks.
In this analysis, we will focus on 15 of the 25 players who have logged the most time on the court without registering any conventional statistics, exploring unique situations that go beyond the numbers and highlighting the peculiarity of these cardio games.
John Salmons
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0-4 FG, 0-3 3PM, 21 MIN
In a nail-biter on February 13, 2008, between the Sacramento Kings and the Houston Rockets, John Salmons orchestrated a performance that defied conventional box score expectations. Despite logging an impressive 21 minutes, Salmons contributed a statistical blank slate—0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, and 0 blocks.
The Kings fell short 87-89, but Salmons’ remarkable cardio game became the talking point, illustrating a selfless dedication to the team that went beyond traditional statistical measures.
T.R. Dunn
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0-4 FG, 21 MIN
On April 9, 1968, between the Denver Nuggets and the San Diego Clippers is etched as a testament to T.R. Dunn’s unique contribution. Despite spending 21 minutes on the court, Dunn’s stat line remained an empty canvas—0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, and 0 blocks. The game concluded with a 127-132 loss for the Nuggets, but Dunn’s cardio-centric display left an indelible mark, showcasing the intangible value of his on-court presence.
In a recent chapter of Nuggets history, Christian Braun replicated T.R. Dunn’s distinctive feat. This season, Braun logged 20 minutes against the Milwaukee Bucks, contributing 0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, and 0 blocks. The Nuggets emerged triumphant with a 123-106 win, emphasizing that the tradition of silent cardio performances continues.
Pat Connaughton
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0-1 FG, 21 MIN
On March 4, 2019, the Milwaukee Bucks faced off against the Phoenix Suns in a matchup that would etch Pat Connaughton into the peculiar history of cardio-centric NBA performances. Despite a substantial 21 minutes on the court, Connaughton’s stat line remained a blank canvas—0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, and 0 blocks. The game concluded with a 105-114 loss for the Bucks, but Connaughton’s unyielding effort and endurance on the court stood as a silent testament to his commitment to the team’s cause
Avery Bradley
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0-3 FG, 21 MIN
In an intriguing showdown on October 22, 2021, between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns, Avery Bradley etched his name in the lore of NBA history with a performance that defied conventional statistical expectations. Despite an extensive 21 minutes on the court, Bradley’s stat line resembled a blank canvas—0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, and 0 blocks.
Andre Roberson
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0-2 FG, 22 MIN
In a riveting matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New Orleans Pelicans on February 25, 2016, Andre Roberson etched his name in NBA history with a performance that defied conventional statistical expectations. Despite logging a substantial 22 minutes on the court, Roberson’s stat line resembled a void—0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, and 0 blocks. The Thunder, unfortunately, fell short in a 119-123 battle against the Pelicans.
Matt Freije
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0-6 FG, 0-2 3PM, 22 MIN
In the matchup between the Atlanta Hawks and the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 1, 2006, Matt Freije found himself in a peculiar position. Despite spending 22 minutes on the court, Freije’s impact, or lack thereof, was glaring in the box score—0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, and 0 blocks. The Hawks, unfortunately, came up short in a 95-106 defeat against the Cavaliers.
P.J. Tucker
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0-2 FG, 23 MIN
In a notable game between the Denver Nuggets and the Philadelphia 76ers on March 27, 2023, P.J. Tucker’s performance stood out for its statistical austerity. Despite a notable 23 minutes on the court, Tucker’s contribution remained elusive in the box score—0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, and 0 blocks. The Nuggets secured a 116-111 victory over the Sixers.
Interestingly, Tucker’s journey took a turn, as he was subsequently traded to the Los Angeles Clippers along with James Harden at the beginning of the following season, marking a significant shift in his NBA trajectory.
Greg Foster
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0-5 FG, 23 MIN
In a clash between the Seattle Supersonics and the Miami Heat on December 11, 1999, Greg Foster became a part of NBA history with a performance that showcased minimal statistical impact. Despite spending time on the court during the 92-88 victory for the Supersonics, Foster’s stat line remained void—0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, and 0 blocks. His presence, or lack thereof in the box score, encapsulated a game where the essence of contribution went beyond traditional metrics.
Jason Collins
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0-1 FG, 23 MIN
On April 15, 2007, during a matchup between the Indiana Pacers and the New Jersey Nets, Jason Collins added a unique chapter to his NBA career. Despite logging a substantial 23 minutes on the court, Collins’ presence was absent from the stat sheet—0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, and 0 blocks. The game concluded with a 107-111 victory for the Nets.
Glen Rice
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0-3 FG, 24 MIN
On November 23, 2001, the Houston Rockets faced the Seattle Supersonics in a game that would see Glen Rice carve out a distinctive place in NBA history. Despite a notable 24 minutes on the court, Rice’s stat line remained conspicuously bare—0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, and 0 blocks. The Rockets faltered in an 81-99 loss to the Supersonics, and Rice’s silent outing underscored the unpredictable nature of player contributions in the dynamic world of professional basketball.
Hollis Thompson
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0-3 FG, 25 MIN
The Philadelphia 76ers, in the early stages of “The Process,” encountered the Orlando Magic in a game that featured Hollis Thompson in a distinctive role on March 2, 2014. Despite logging a substantial 25 minutes on the court, Thompson’s statistical impact remained elusive—0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, and 0 blocks. The Sixers faced an 81-92 defeat to the Magic, and Thompson’s quiet performance became a subtle reflection of the team’s rebuilding phase.
Bruce Bowen
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0-3 FG, 25 MIN
On November 5, 2005, a clash between the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks featured Bruce Bowen in a role that went beyond the conventional box score. Despite a significant 25 minutes on the court, Bowen’s stat line read as a series of zeroes—0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, and 0 blocks.
The Spurs, coming off a championship-winning season, faced an 84-103 defeat against the Mavericks. It was a pivotal game, as the Mavericks would go on to reach the Finals, underscoring the contrasting paths of two formidable teams during that NBA season. Bowen’s unassuming presence on the court served as a snapshot of a challenging moment in the Spurs’ journey, ultimately contributing to the narrative of a competitive NBA season.
Ayo Dosunmu
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0-6 FG, 0-2 3PM, 26 MIN
In a recent game on December 11, 2023, between the Chicago Bulls and the Milwaukee Bucks, Ayo Dosunmu, a rising young talent with an expanding role in the absence of Zach LaVine, found himself in an unexpected spotlight. Despite a notable 26 minutes on the court, Dosunmu’s stat line echoed emptiness—0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, and 0 blocks.
The Bulls engaged in an overtime battle but ultimately succumbed to a 129-133 loss against the Bucks. Dosunmu’s surprising outing became a talking point, highlighting the unpredictable nature of a young player’s journey in the NBA and the evolving dynamics within the Chicago Bulls’ roster.
Tony Snell
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0-2 FG, 28 MIN
In the basketball realm, February 24, 2017, marks a peculiar moment etched in NBA history during a faceoff between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Utah Jazz. Tony Snell, unwittingly, stepped into the spotlight, giving rise to a viral meme that would forever be associated with the notion of the “cardio game.”
Despite a considerable 28 minutes on the court, Snell’s stat line remained untouched—0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, and 0 blocks. The Bucks, unfortunately, faced a 95-109 defeat against the Jazz, and Snell’s unique performance became a symbol of contributing without registering traditional statistics, sparking a conversation that transcended the boundaries of the basketball court.
Joel Anthony
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0-0 FG, 29 MIN
In the inaugural year of the Miami Heat’s formidable Big 3 era, Joel Anthony, holding the pivotal role of starting center, found himself at the center of a unique chapter in NBA history. On January 9, 2011, during a matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, Anthony played a staggering 29 minutes, setting the record for the longest duration in a “cardio game.”
Despite his substantial court time, Anthony’s stat line remained barren—0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, and 0 blocks. The Heat secured a 107-100 overtime victory against the Blazers, and Anthony’s extended cardio performance became emblematic of the team’s early experimentation with lineups during the iconic Big 3 era.
