🔗 Share this article

James understood his monumental run of putting up 10+ points was in danger. In that crucial moment, however, it didn't concern him.

The right decision involved passing the basketball – and he executed. Following that play, his remarkable run was over.

LeBron's astounding streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended on Thursday night, when basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple as time expired.

“Nothing,” James said when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Play Secures Victory

James could have sought to clinch the game – while also extending his record – with the last shot, yet he opted to make the extra pass to his teammate stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron exulted with his hands in the air.

“Just playing the game the proper way. Make the right play,” James remarked. That has always been my M.O.. That’s how I was taught to play. I’ve done that my whole career.”

James is very conscious of his point total he's scored at all times,” stated Lakers coach the coach. He acted as he has done throughout his career.”

The Streak's Final Moments

James re-entered the floor one last time with just over five minutes left, the result along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had a mere six points on a 3-for-15 performance then.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to level the contest and missed a shot at one minute to go that would have pushed him into double figures.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball as time wound down, however, James opted to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, when you play it correctly, they tend to repay you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on a Monumental Record

This incredible run started back in January 2007. It was easily the greatest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone recorded of 575 games.

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

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but because of the player he is and just who he is as an individual, he executed the team play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been a formality long before the final period. During James’s streak, he had achieved the 10-point mark entering the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

But two such single-digit games after three periods took place just days before: He had nine going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, and then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak against the Suns. The very next outing, it finished – but he still rejoiced all the same.

“I always just make the right play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James declared. If you make the unselfish play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”