🔗 Share this article

The Lakers star knew his incredible streak of reaching double digits was threatened. In that crucial moment, though, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the rock – and he executed. With that selfless act, his remarkable run was over.

James's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten concluded this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to a mere eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 victory over Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, finding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“None,” James said when asked on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Play Seals the Game

James could have attempted to win the game – and preserved the streak – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Hachimura in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, and James exulted with his hands in the air.

You have to play basketball the proper way. You always make the right play,” James explained. “That’s just been my M.O.. It's how I learned the game. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

“LeBron is very conscious exactly how many points he has at all times,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Run's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the contest for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the outcome and the streak on the line. He had only six points on 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He got a bucket at 1:46 left to tie the game and missed a 14-footer at one minute to go which could have pushed him to ten points.

He didn’t take another shot – but could have. Austin Reaves gave James the ball with a few seconds left, however, James decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you do it the right way, they often repay you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on a Staggering Streak

James's streak began back in January 2007. It stood as the greatest double-digit streak in NBA history: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run at 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” said teammate Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the sport. He had the opportunity but because of who he is on the court and just who he is as an individual, he made the team play, found Rui and we won the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a formality well before the final period. During James’s streak, he had reached the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

However, two of those rare single-digit games after three periods had happened in the last week: He recorded nine entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, and then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

James managed to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. One game later, it was over – but he still rejoiced anyway.

“I always just make the correct play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. If you make the unselfish play, the sports deities forever giving back to me.”