🔗 Share this article

The Lakers star knew his historic run of scoring in double figures was at risk. At the decisive instant, though, it didn't concern him.

The right decision meant distributing the ball – and he executed. Following that play, the legendary streak came to an end.

James's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points was snapped on Thursday night, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only eight total points in the Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He made the decisive pass, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James replied in response about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Decision Seals the Game

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the game – and preserved the streak – with the last shot, but he chose to dish the ball to his teammate on the wing. Rui connected, prompting James celebrated triumphantly.

It's about playing basketball the right way. You always make the right play,” James remarked. That has always been my philosophy. It's how I was taught the game. That's what I've done for two decades.”

James is very conscious exactly how many points he's scored at any point,” stated Lakers coach the coach. “He did it like he’s done so many times.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

He returned to the floor one last time at 5:23 remaining, the win and the streak up for grabs. At that stage, he had six points on 3-of-15 shooting then.

He scored with 1:46 left to tie the game and missed a 14-footer with one minute to go which could have gotten him into double figures.

He didn’t take another shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball as time wound down, yet LeBron chose to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it correctly, they will reward you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on a Staggering Streak

This incredible run started back in January 2007. It was easily the longest streak of its kind in professional basketball: Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list with 575.

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

He simply plays hoops. He could have shot but given his nature as a player and his personality off the court, he chose the pass, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Reaching double digits had long been a formality early in the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had reached ten points by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times before this game.

But two such single-digit games after three periods had happened in the last week: He recorded nine points going into the fourth against Dallas last week, and then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it was over – but he still rejoiced all the same.

My focus is to make the best play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James said. When you make the unselfish play, the game gods forever giving back to me.”