🔗 Share this article

LeBron James was aware his historic run of putting up 10+ points was in danger. At the decisive instant, though, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play was to pass the basketball – and he executed. Consequently, the unprecedented record finished.

James's unprecedented streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances ended during a recent game, as the league's career points king had only eight total points during the Lakers' close win against Toronto. He delivered the game-winning assist, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James said in response about the streak ending. “We won.”

An Unselfish Play Delivers the Game

James could have attempted to win the game – while also extending his record – with the last shot, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Rui in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron celebrated with his hands in the air.

You have to play basketball correctly. Always make the smart play,” James noted. “That’s just been my philosophy. That’s how I was instructed the game. I've played that way throughout my career.”

James is fully cognizant of his point total he's scored during a game,” commented Lakers coach the coach. He made the play as he has done throughout his career.”

The Run's Final Moments

He returned to the game one last time at just over five minutes left, the result and his personal record both hanging in the balance. His tally was six points on 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left that might have pushed him to double digits.

He didn’t take another shot – but could have. Austin Reaves passed him the ball with a few seconds left, yet LeBron decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, when you play it correctly, they often repay you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Staggering Record

This incredible run began on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the most extended streak of its kind in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run at 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” noted Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing hoops. The chance was there but due to the player he is and his personality off the court, he chose the unselfish play, found Rui and claimed the game.”

Reaching double digits had long been an afterthought well before the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had achieved ten points by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

But two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters took place in the last week: He had nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it concluded – yet he was celebrating anyway.

“I always just make the right play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James declared. If you make the smart play, the sports deities are always giving back to me.”