🔗 Share this article

James understood his incredible run of putting up 10+ points was in danger. In that crucial moment, however, it didn't concern him.

The smart move meant distributing the basketball – and he executed. Consequently, his remarkable run came to an end.

James's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances was snapped this past Thursday, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, finding teammate Rui Hachimura for a triple as time expired.

“Nothing,” James replied after being questioned on the record concluding. “We won.”

An Unselfish Choice Seals the Win

James could have sought to clinch the game – and extended the streak – with the last shot, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Rui in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron raised his arms immediately.

It's about playing basketball the proper way. Make the smart play,” James explained. That is how I operate. It's how I learned the game. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

James is acutely aware exactly how many points he's scored at all times,” stated the team's head coach JJ Redick. “He did it like he’s done countless times.”

The Run's End Game

LeBron checked back into the game one last time at 5:23 remaining, the outcome and his personal record up for grabs. He had only six points from a 3-for-15 performance then.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to tie the game and missed a mid-range jumper at one minute to go that would have gotten him to double digits.

He avoided taking another shot – but could have. A teammate passed him the ball as time wound down, but James decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you approach it correctly, they will reward you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at a Staggering Record

James's streak started back in January 2007. It was easily the most extended such streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded at 575.

“He’s such a team-oriented player,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing hoops. He could have shot but given the player he is and his character as a person, he chose the pass, found Rui and secured the game.”

Reaching double digits was usually a guarantee early in the final period. Throughout his run, he had reached ten points entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

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

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it concluded – but he still rejoiced regardless.

“I always just make the correct play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James declared. When you make the right play, the basketball gods consistently rewarding me.”