🔗 Share this article

The Lakers star knew his monumental streak of reaching double digits was at risk. When it mattered most, however, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision was to pass the basketball – so he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record came to an end.

LeBron's unprecedented run of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances concluded on Thursday night, when the league's career points king finished with eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over Toronto. He provided the decisive pass, setting up Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer as time expired.

“None,” James said after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Decision Delivers the Win

He might have attempted to win the contest – and preserved his record – on the final possession, yet he opted to make the extra pass to his teammate in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron raised his arms with his hands in the air.

It's about playing the game the proper way. Make the smart play,” James remarked. That has always been my M.O.. It's how I was instructed the game. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

James is very conscious exactly how many points he has during a game,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted like he’s done countless times.”

The Record's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the contest for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the result and his personal record on the line. His tally was six points from 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He got a bucket at under two minutes remaining to level the contest then missed a shot with one minute to go which could have taken him to ten points.

He passed up another shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate found him with a few seconds left, yet LeBron chose to make the pass instead.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it the proper way, they often bless you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Streak

The record started on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the longest such streak the league has ever seen: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787 such games, and The Mailman was fourth on the list of 575 games.

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

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. He could have shot but because of his nature as a player and his personality off the court, he made the team play, passed it to Rui and claimed the game.”

Reaching double digits had typically been a guarantee long before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had attained double figures by the start of the fourth 1,266 times coming into the contest.

But two of those unusual games below ten points through three quarters took place recently: He recorded nine points going into the fourth against Dallas last week, followed by six going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it was over – and he celebrated anyway.

My focus is to make the best play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James said. “You make the right play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”