🔗 Share this article

LeBron James was aware his historic run of reaching double digits was in danger. At the decisive instant, however, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the ball – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten ended during a recent game, as the league's career points king was limited to eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He provided the decisive pass, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a triple as time expired.

“Nothing,” James stated when asked on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Decision Seals Victory

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the contest – and extended the streak – on the final possession, yet he opted to dish the ball to his teammate on the wing. Hachimura sank it, and James exulted with his hands in the air.

It's about playing basketball correctly. Make the correct play,” James explained. That has always been how I operate. That is the way I was taught the game. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware exactly how many points he's scored at any point,” stated the team's head coach the coach. He acted like he’s done countless times.”

The Record's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the floor for the final time with just over five minutes left, the outcome along with the historic run on the line. His tally was six points on a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to level the contest but then missed a 14-footer with one minute to go that might have taken him to double digits.

He didn’t take one more attempt – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him with a few seconds left, yet LeBron decided to make the pass instead.

The basketball deities, when you play it the right way, they often repay you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at a Staggering Streak

James's streak commenced back in January 2007. It stood as the greatest streak of its kind in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and The Mailman recorded of 575 games.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” noted Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the sport. He could have shot but given the player he is and just who he is as a person, he made the pass, passed it to Rui and secured the game.”

Getting to ten points was usually a guarantee long before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had attained the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

Yet two such single-digit games through three quarters took place recently: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

James managed to keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it was over – yet he was celebrating all the same.

My focus is to make the right play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James said. When you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods consistently returning the favor.”