🔗 Share this article

James understood his monumental run of scoring in double figures was in danger. When it mattered most, though, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision involved passing the basketball – and he executed. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record finished.

James's astounding streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten was snapped on Thursday night, when basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, finding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer to win the game.

“Zero,” James said in response about the streak ending. “We won.”

An Unselfish Decision Seals Victory

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the contest – while also extending his record – on the final possession, but he chose to make the extra pass to Hachimura on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, and James raised his arms triumphantly.

You have to play the game the proper way. Make the smart play,” James explained. “That’s just been my philosophy. That’s how I learned the game. That's what I've done for two decades.”

He is very conscious of his point total he's scored at all times,” commented Lakers coach the coach. “He did it like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Record's End Game

James re-entered the floor for the final time at 5:23 remaining, the win and the streak up for grabs. He had only six points from 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He got a bucket at 1:46 left to knot the score then missed a mid-range jumper with one minute to go which could have gotten him to ten points.

He avoided taking another shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball with a few seconds left, however, James decided to make the pass instead.

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

The History of a Monumental Run

James's streak started over eighteen years ago. It was easily the most extended such streak the league has ever seen: MJ had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and The Mailman recorded of 575 games.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” noted teammate a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. He could have shot but due to the player he is and his personality as an individual, he made the pass, passed it to Rui and claimed the victory.”

Reaching double digits had long been a guarantee early in the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had reached the 10-point mark entering the fourth 1,266 times coming into the contest.

Yet two of those rare games below ten points after three periods had happened recently: He recorded nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it concluded – but he still rejoiced anyway.

“I always just make the correct play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James affirmed. If you make the right play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”