🔗 Share this article

The Lakers star knew his monumental run of reaching double digits was at risk. At the decisive instant, though, it was not his focus.

The smart move was to pass the rock – and he executed. Following that play, the legendary streak finished.

LeBron's staggering run of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances concluded on Thursday night, as the league's career points king was limited to eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He provided the clutch helper, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a triple at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James replied after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Play Secures the Game

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the game – and extended his record – on the final possession, but he chose to pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Rui connected, and James celebrated with his hands in the air.

“Just playing basketball correctly. Always make the smart play,” James noted. That has always been my M.O.. That is the way I was taught the game. I’ve done that my whole career.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant of how many points he has at any point,” said the team's head coach JJ Redick. He acted as he has done so many times.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the floor for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the result and the streak up for grabs. He had only six points on a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to level the contest but then missed a shot with 1:01 left which could have taken him to ten points.

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – but could have. A teammate gave James the ball with a few seconds left, however, James opted to dish it off instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it the right way, they often bless you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at a Monumental Streak

The record commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the longest streak of its kind in NBA history: MJ had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and The Mailman was fourth on the list at 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” noted Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the sport. He had the opportunity but given the player he is and his personality as a person, he chose the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and we won the victory.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a formality long before the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had attained double figures by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

However, two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters had occurred recently: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, and then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

He succeeded in extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it concluded – but he still rejoiced all the same.

My focus is to make the correct play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James declared. When you make the right play, the sports deities forever giving back to me.”