🔗 Share this article

LeBron James was aware his incredible run of scoring in double figures was in danger. When it mattered most, however, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision was to pass the ball – so he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record 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 finished with a mere eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, finding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer to win the game.

“None,” James said when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Play Secures the Game

He might have tried to secure the game – and extended his record – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to dish the ball to his teammate on the wing. Hachimura sank it, and James raised his arms with his hands in the air.

You have to play basketball the proper way. Make the correct play,” James noted. That has always been how I operate. That’s how I was instructed to play. I've played that way my whole career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of how many points he has at all times,” said Lakers coach the coach. He acted like he’s done so many times.”

The Run's End Game

He returned to the floor one last time with 5:23 remaining, the win and his personal record both hanging in the balance. He had six points from a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to level the contest and missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left that would have pushed him to double digits.

He passed up a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves found him in the waning seconds, however, James chose to dish it off instead.

The basketball deities, when you play it the proper way, they often reward you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Record

This incredible run started back in January 2007. It was, by far the greatest streak of its kind the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run with 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing hoops. The chance was there but given the player he is and his personality as an individual, he chose the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and secured the game.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been a formality well before the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had reached the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

But two of those unusual games below ten points through three quarters took place recently: He had nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

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

My focus is to make the right play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James affirmed. If you make the right play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”