🔗 Share this article

James understood his monumental run of putting up 10+ points was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play involved passing the rock – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run finished.

LeBron's unprecedented streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances concluded this past Thursday, as the league's career points king had only a mere eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, finding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot to win the game.

“Zero,” James replied in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Play Seals the Win

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the contest – and extended his record – with the last shot, instead, he decided to pass to Rui on the wing. Hachimura sank it, and James celebrated triumphantly.

“Just playing basketball the right way. Make the right play,” James remarked. That is my philosophy. That’s how I was instructed the game. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant of his point total he's scored at all times,” commented Lakers coach the coach. He made the play as he has done countless times.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the floor one last time with just over five minutes left, the result along with the historic run up for grabs. His tally was a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting then.

He got a bucket with 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a shot with one minute to go that might have gotten him to double digits.

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – but could have. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, but James opted to make the pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you do it correctly, they often bless you,” the coach concluded.

The History of a Staggering Streak

This incredible run started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the greatest streak of its kind in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run at 575.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” noted Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays hoops. The chance was there but given the player he is and his personality off the court, he executed the team play, passed it to Rui and we won the game.”

Getting to ten points had long been an afterthought well before the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had attained the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

Yet two of those unusual games below ten points through three quarters took place just days before: He recorded nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. In the following contest, it was over – and he celebrated regardless.

My focus is to make the best play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James said. When you make the unselfish play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”