🔗 Share this article

James understood his incredible run of reaching double digits was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play was to pass the rock – so he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run was over.

James's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten ended on Thursday night, when the league's career points king had only eight points during the Lakers' close victory over Toronto. He made the game-winning assist, finding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer at the buzzer.

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

A Team-First Choice Secures the Win

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the contest – and preserved the streak – on the final possession, yet he opted to pass to Rui in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James exulted triumphantly.

It's about playing the game correctly. Always make the correct play,” James noted. “That’s just been how I operate. That is the way I learned to play. That's what I've done for two decades.”

“LeBron is very conscious of his point total he has during a game,” said the team's head coach JJ Redick. He made the play like he’s done so many times.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

He returned to the floor for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the win and the streak up for grabs. He had only six points on 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to level the contest but then missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left which could have pushed him to double digits.

He passed up another shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate passed him the ball with a few seconds left, but James chose to dish it off instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, when you play it correctly, they will reward you,” Redick stated.

The History of a Monumental Streak

James's streak started on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the greatest streak of its kind in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run at 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the sport. The chance was there but due to the player he is and his personality off the court, he chose the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and secured the game.”

Reaching double digits had typically been an afterthought early in the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had achieved double figures by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those unusual games below ten points through three quarters had happened recently: He had nine going into the fourth against Dallas last week, followed by six going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

James managed to keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it was over – and he celebrated regardless.

My focus is to make the right play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James declared. “You make the right play, the game gods are always rewarding me.”