🔗 Share this article

The Lakers star knew his incredible streak of scoring in double figures was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, it didn't concern him.

The right decision was to pass the ball – so he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record came to an end.

James's unprecedented run of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten concluded on Thursday night, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, finding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot as time expired.

“Nothing,” James stated in response on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Choice Seals the Win

James could have attempted to win the contest – and extended the streak – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Rui stationed in the corner. Rui connected, and James exulted with his hands in the air.

It's about playing the game correctly. Always make the right play,” James remarked. “That’s just been how I operate. That is the way I was taught the game. That's what I've done my whole career.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant exactly how many points he's scored during a game,” said Lakers coach the coach. He made the play like he’s done so many times.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

He returned to the game one last time with 5:23 remaining, the outcome and the streak both hanging in the balance. His tally was a mere six points on a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

He got a bucket with under two minutes remaining to tie the game then missed a 14-footer with one minute to go that would have pushed him to ten points.

He didn’t take one more attempt – but could have. A teammate passed him the ball as time wound down, but James chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you do it the proper way, they will reward you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at a Staggering Run

This incredible run commenced over eighteen years ago. It was easily the greatest such streak in professional basketball: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone recorded with 575.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” said teammate a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the game of basketball. The chance was there but because of his nature as a player and his character as an individual, he executed the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and we won the victory.”

Reaching double digits had long been a formality early in the final period. During James’s streak, he had reached ten points by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times coming into the contest.

However, two such games below ten points after three periods had happened just days before: He recorded nine going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, followed by six going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it finished – but he still rejoiced all the same.

My focus is to make the right play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James declared. When you make the smart play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”