🔗 Share this article

James understood his incredible streak of reaching double digits was in danger. When it mattered most, though, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move involved passing the rock – and he executed. With that selfless act, his remarkable run came to an end.

James's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended during a recent game, as the league's career points king was limited to eight points in the Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, finding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot as time expired.

“None,” James said after being questioned about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Decision Delivers the Win

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the game – while also extending the streak – on the final possession, but he chose to pass to Rui in the left corner. Rui connected, prompting James celebrated immediately.

“Just playing basketball the proper way. Always make the smart play,” James remarked. That is my philosophy. That’s how I was taught to play. That's what I've done for two decades.”

He is very conscious of how many points he's scored at any point,” commented the team's head coach the coach. “He did it as he has done so many times.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

He returned to the floor for the final time at just over five minutes left, the win and his personal record up for grabs. At that stage, he had six points from 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He scored with under two minutes remaining to level the contest and missed a 14-footer at one minute to go that would have gotten him into double figures.

He passed up one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. A teammate gave James the ball with a few seconds left, however, James opted to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you do it correctly, they will bless you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at a Monumental Record

This incredible run started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the greatest streak of its kind in NBA history: Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list with 575.

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

He focuses on playing the sport. The chance was there but given the player he is and just who he is as an individual, he chose the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and we won the victory.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a formality early in the final period. During James’s streak, he had achieved the 10-point mark entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

However, two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters took place just days before: He had nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, and then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in preserve the record against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – and he celebrated anyway.

I only ever make the best play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James declared. “You make the unselfish play, the sports deities are always giving back to me.”