🔗 Share this article

The Lakers star knew his incredible streak of scoring in double figures was threatened. When it mattered most, however, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play involved passing the basketball – so he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run came to an end.

LeBron's unprecedented streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances ended during a recent game, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura for a triple at the buzzer.

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

A Selfless Choice Seals the Game

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the contest – and preserved his record – in the closing seconds, but he chose to dish the ball to Rui in the left corner. Rui connected, prompting James celebrated immediately.

You have to play the game the proper way. You always make the smart play,” James explained. That is my M.O.. That’s how I learned to play. That's what I've done my whole career.”

He is acutely aware of how many points he's scored at any point,” stated the team's head coach the coach. He acted like he’s done so many times.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the floor one last time at 5:23 remaining, the outcome and the streak up for grabs. His tally was six points on a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a shot at 1:01 left which could have taken him to double digits.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – but could have. Austin Reaves gave James the ball in the waning seconds, but James decided to make the extra pass instead.

“The basketball gods, when you play it the proper way, they will reward you,” Redick added.

The History of an Unparalleled Run

This incredible run began on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the most extended streak of its kind in professional basketball: Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded at 575.

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

He simply plays hoops. He could have shot but given the player he is and his personality as a person, he chose the pass, dished to Hachimura and we won the game.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a guarantee early in the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had achieved double figures entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

Yet two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods took place in the last week: He recorded nine entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, and then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

James managed to preserve the record against the Suns. One game later, it finished – and he celebrated all the same.

“I always just make the right play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James declared. If you make the smart play, the basketball gods forever giving back to me.”