🔗 Share this article

LeBron James was aware his monumental streak of scoring in double figures was threatened. In that crucial moment, however, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play involved passing the ball – so he did. Following that play, the legendary streak was over.

James's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He provided the decisive pass, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot to win the game.

“Zero,” James said after being questioned on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Play Delivers the Game

James could have tried to secure the contest – and extended the streak – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to make the extra pass to his teammate stationed in the corner. Rui connected, with LeBron exulted immediately.

You have to play basketball the proper way. Always make the right play,” James noted. That is my M.O.. It's how I was instructed the game. I’ve done that my whole career.”

James is very conscious of his point total he's scored during a game,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play as he has done countless times.”

The Run's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the game one last time with 5:23 remaining, the win and the streak both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had a mere six points from a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He scored at 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left that would have gotten him to double digits.

He avoided taking another shot – but could have. A teammate gave James the ball with a few seconds left, however, James opted to dish it off instead.

“The basketball gods, if you do it the proper way, they tend to reward you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Run

The record began on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the greatest streak of its kind in professional basketball: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” noted Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but due to who he is on the court and his character as an individual, he made the team play, dished to Hachimura and we won the victory.”

Scoring in double figures was usually an afterthought well before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had achieved the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

But two such games below ten points through three quarters had occurred recently: He recorded nine entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, and then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

James managed to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it was over – yet he was celebrating regardless.

I only ever make the right play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James affirmed. “You make the right play, the sports deities are always giving back to me.”