🔗 Share this article

The Lakers star knew his historic streak of reaching double digits was in danger. At the decisive instant, though, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision was to pass the ball – so he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run was over.

James's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended this past Thursday, as the league's career points king was limited to a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the game-winning assist, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a triple to win the game.

“None,” James replied in response about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers the Win

He might have tried to secure the contest – while also extending the streak – in the closing seconds, but he chose to pass to Rui in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James raised his arms with his hands in the air.

You have to play the game correctly. You always make the smart play,” James explained. “That’s just been my philosophy. That’s how I learned the game. I’ve done that my whole career.”

He is fully cognizant of his point total he has during a game,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play like he’s done so many times.”

The Record's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the game one last time with 5:23 remaining, the result and the streak both hanging in the balance. His tally was only six points from 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He scored with under two minutes remaining to tie the game but then missed a 14-footer with 1:01 left that would have pushed him to double digits.

He avoided taking one more attempt – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him with a few seconds left, however, James opted to make the pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it correctly, they will bless you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at a Staggering Run

This incredible run started back in January 2007. It was easily the longest streak of its kind in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run with 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” remarked Lakers center a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the sport. He could have shot but given who he is on the court and just who he is off the court, he made the pass, found Rui and claimed the game.”

Getting to ten points had long been an afterthought long before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had attained double figures entering the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

Yet two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods had happened just days before: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, and then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it concluded – but he still rejoiced all the same.

My focus is to make the best play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James affirmed. When you make the right play, the basketball gods are always giving back to me.”