🔗 Share this article

James understood his historic run of scoring in double figures was threatened. In that crucial moment, though, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play was to pass the basketball – so he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak was over.

James's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten ended this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“None,” James replied in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Play Secures the Win

James could have attempted to win the contest – while also extending the streak – with the last shot, but he chose to dish the ball to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Rui connected, prompting James exulted triumphantly.

It's about playing the game the proper way. Make the correct play,” James remarked. “That’s just been how I operate. That’s how I was instructed to play. That's what I've done for two decades.”

“LeBron is very conscious exactly how many points he has at any point,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play just as he has so many times.”

The Record's Final Moments

James re-entered the game one last time at just over five minutes left, the outcome along with the historic run on the line. At that stage, he had a mere six points on 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He got a bucket at 1:46 left to knot the score then missed a mid-range jumper at one minute to go that might have taken him into double figures.

He passed up one more attempt – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him in the waning seconds, however, James decided to make the pass instead.

The spirits of the game, when you play it correctly, they tend to bless you,” Redick added.

The History of a Staggering Streak

This incredible run started back in January 2007. It was easily the greatest double-digit streak in NBA history: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” noted teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. He could have shot but because of who he is on the court and his character as a person, he executed the pass, passed it to Rui and secured the game.”

Reaching double digits had typically been an afterthought early in the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, 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 after three periods had occurred in the last week: He recorded nine entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, 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 all the same.

I only ever make the right play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. When you make the unselfish play, the sports deities are always rewarding me.”