🔗 Share this article

LeBron James was aware his incredible run of putting up 10+ points was at risk. At the decisive instant, however, it didn't concern him.

The right decision involved passing the basketball – and he executed. With that selfless act, the legendary streak finished.

James's unprecedented run of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a triple to win the game.

“None,” James said after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Decision Seals the Game

He might have sought to clinch the contest – and extended the streak – in the closing seconds, but he chose to dish the ball to Rui stationed in the corner. Rui connected, and James exulted with his hands in the air.

“Just playing the game the right way. Make the smart play,” James explained. That has always been my philosophy. That is the way I learned to play. I've played that way for two decades.”

“LeBron is very conscious exactly how many points he has during a game,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it just as he has countless times.”

The Run's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the contest for the final time with just over five minutes left, the win and the streak up for grabs. At that stage, he had only six points from 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He scored at 1:46 left to level the contest then missed a mid-range jumper with one minute to go which could have gotten him to double digits.

He passed up a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him as time wound down, however, James chose to dish it off instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you do it the proper way, they often reward you,” the coach concluded.

The History of a Monumental Run

The record began over eighteen years ago. It stood as the longest double-digit streak in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list at 575.

He is such a team-oriented player,” said teammate a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing hoops. He could have shot but given the player he is and his personality as an individual, he executed the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been an afterthought well before the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had reached ten points by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

However, two of those rare single-digit games after three periods had happened just days before: He had nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

He succeeded in extend the streak against the Suns. In the following contest, it concluded – yet he was celebrating regardless.

I only ever make the right play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James declared. When you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods are always returning the favor.”