🔗 Share this article

LeBron James was aware his incredible streak of reaching double digits was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move meant distributing the ball – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, the legendary streak came to an end.

James's staggering streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances was snapped during a recent game, as basketball's greatest scorer had only eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the game-winning assist, finding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot to win the game.

“Nothing,” James said after being questioned about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Play Secures the Win

James could have tried to secure the game – and preserved the streak – with the last shot, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Rui stationed in the corner. Rui connected, with LeBron celebrated immediately.

You have to play basketball the right way. Always make the right play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my M.O.. That is the way I learned to play. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

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

The Run's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the contest for the final time at under five and a half minutes to go, the win and his personal record up for grabs. His tally was a mere six points from 3 for 15 from the field then.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a shot at 1:01 left which could have gotten him into double figures.

He avoided taking another shot – but could have. A teammate found him in the waning seconds, yet LeBron chose to dish it off instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it correctly, they often reward you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Streak

The record started back in January 2007. It was easily the most extended streak of its kind in professional basketball: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list at 575.

He is such an unselfish player,” remarked Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays hoops. He could have shot but given his nature as a player and his personality as a person, he executed the pass, passed it to Rui and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a formality well before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had attained ten points by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

However, two of those rare games below ten points after three periods had happened just days before: He had nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

He succeeded in extend the streak against the Suns. In the following contest, it finished – and he celebrated anyway.

I only ever make the correct play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James affirmed. If you make the right play, the game gods consistently rewarding me.”