🔗 Share this article

The Lakers star knew his incredible run of reaching double digits was at risk. When it mattered most, however, it was not his focus.

The smart move involved passing the ball – and he executed. Following that play, the unprecedented record finished.

James's staggering run of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended during a recent game, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the clutch helper, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer to win the game.

“Zero,” James stated when asked on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Play Delivers Victory

He might have sought to clinch the contest – and extended his record – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to dish the ball to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Rui connected, with LeBron raised his arms with his hands in the air.

You have to play basketball the proper way. Make the correct play,” James explained. “That’s just been how I operate. That’s how I learned to play. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

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

The Run's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the floor for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the win and his personal record up for grabs. At that stage, he had only six points on a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He got a bucket at 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a shot at one minute to go that might have gotten him to double digits.

He avoided taking one more attempt – but could have. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, yet LeBron opted to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, when you play it the right way, they will bless you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Streak

This incredible run started back in January 2007. It stood as the most extended such streak in professional basketball: Michael Jordan had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the sport. He could have shot but because of who he is on the court and his character off the court, he executed the pass, passed it to Rui and claimed the game.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a formality well before the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had achieved ten points entering the fourth over twelve hundred times before this game.

But two of those unusual games below ten points through three quarters had happened recently: He recorded nine entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it was over – yet he was celebrating regardless.

“I always just make the best play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the game gods forever rewarding me.”