🔗 Share this article

The Lakers star knew his incredible streak of putting up 10+ points was in danger. In that crucial moment, however, it was not his focus.

The smart move meant distributing the basketball – so he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak was over.

James's astounding run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances was snapped on Thursday night, as basketball's greatest scorer had only eight points in the Lakers' close win against the Toronto Raptors. He made the clutch helper, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James stated after being questioned on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Play Secures the Game

He might have sought to clinch the game – and extended the streak – on the final possession, but he chose to make the extra pass to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Rui connected, prompting James celebrated with his hands in the air.

You have to play basketball the proper way. Always make the smart play,” James noted. That is my philosophy. It's how I learned to play. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

James is very conscious of his point total he's scored during a game,” commented Lakers coach the coach. He made the play just as he has countless times.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the game for the final time at 5:23 remaining, the win and his personal record up for grabs. He had only six points from a 3-for-15 performance then.

He scored at 1:46 left to level the contest then missed a 14-footer at one minute to go which could have gotten him into double figures.

He didn’t take another shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate gave James the ball in the waning seconds, but James decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

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

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Run

James's streak began over eighteen years ago. It was easily the greatest streak of its kind in professional basketball: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and The Mailman recorded with 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” noted Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the sport. He had the opportunity but because of his nature as a player and just who he is off the court, he made the team play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually a formality well before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had reached double figures entering the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

But two of those rare games below ten points through three quarters had happened just days before: He had nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. The very next outing, it was over – but he still rejoiced anyway.

My focus is to make the right play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James declared. “You make the smart play, the game gods forever rewarding me.”