🔗 Share this article

LeBron James was aware his incredible run of putting up 10+ points was in danger. When it mattered most, however, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play involved passing the basketball – so he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record came to an end.

LeBron's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points concluded during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the clutch helper, feeding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James stated in response about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers Victory

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the game – and extended his record – on the final possession, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Rui in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James exulted triumphantly.

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

“LeBron is acutely aware exactly how many points he's scored at any point,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play just as he has countless times.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the game for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the win and the streak up for grabs. He had six points on a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He got a bucket at under two minutes remaining to tie the game but then missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left which could have pushed him into double figures.

He passed up one more attempt – even though he had a chance. A teammate passed him the ball with a few seconds left, however, James chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you do it the right way, they tend to repay you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Staggering Streak

This incredible run started back in January 2007. It was easily the greatest double-digit streak in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded of 575 games.

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

“He’s just playing hoops. He could have shot but given who he is on the court and just who he is as an individual, he chose the team play, passed it to Rui and we won the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been a guarantee long before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had reached ten points by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times before this game.

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

James managed to extend the streak against the Suns. In the following contest, it concluded – yet he was celebrating regardless.

My focus is to make the right play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James declared. When you make the smart play, the sports deities are always returning the favor.”