🔗 Share this article

LeBron James was aware his historic streak of scoring in double figures was in danger. At the decisive instant, however, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the basketball – and he executed. Following that play, his remarkable run came to an end.

LeBron's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances concluded on Thursday night, when the league's career points king had only a mere eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura to hit a triple as time expired.

“Nothing,” James said after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Decision Secures Victory

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the game – and preserved the streak – with the last shot, yet he opted to dish the ball to Rui in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James raised his arms triumphantly.

“Just playing the game the right way. You always make the right play,” James noted. That has always been how I operate. It's how I was instructed the game. I’ve done that my whole career.”

“LeBron is very conscious of how many points he's scored during a game,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted like he’s done so many times.”

The Record's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the game one last time at 5:23 remaining, the result and his personal record both hanging in the balance. He had six points from a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He scored with under two minutes remaining to knot the score then missed a 14-footer at one minute to go which could have taken him to ten points.

He avoided taking one more attempt – but could have. A teammate passed him the ball as time wound down, however, James chose to dish it off instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you approach it the right way, they tend to repay you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Record

This incredible run began back in January 2007. It was easily the greatest streak of its kind the league has ever seen: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone recorded with 575.

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

He simply plays the sport. The chance was there but because of the player he is and his character off the court, he chose the unselfish play, found Rui and secured the game.”

Getting to ten points had typically been an afterthought early in the final period. Throughout his run, he had attained ten points entering the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods took place recently: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak against the Suns. The very next outing, it was over – but he still rejoiced all the same.

My focus is to make the correct play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James declared. If you make the smart play, the game gods forever returning the favor.”