🔗 Share this article

James understood his historic streak of scoring in double figures was at risk. At the decisive instant, however, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move involved passing the ball – and he executed. Consequently, the unprecedented record finished.

James's unprecedented run of over 1,200 straight regular-season games with 10+ points ended this past Thursday, when the league's career points king had only eight points in the Lakers' close win against the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot to win the game.

“None,” James replied in response on the record concluding. “We won.”

An Unselfish Choice Delivers Victory

James could have attempted to win the game – and preserved his record – on the final possession, but he chose to make the extra pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron raised his arms triumphantly.

“Just playing the game the right way. You always make the correct play,” James noted. That is my philosophy. It's how I was instructed to play. I’ve done that my whole career.”

He is acutely aware of his point total he has at any point,” commented the team's head coach the coach. He made the play as he has done countless times.”

The Run's End Game

James re-entered the floor one last time at under five and a half minutes to go, the result and his personal record both hanging in the balance. He had only six points from a 3-for-15 performance then.

He got a bucket at under two minutes remaining to tie the game and missed a 14-footer with one minute to go that might have gotten him into double figures.

He avoided taking one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. A teammate found him with a few seconds left, but James chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you approach it the right way, they will repay you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on a Staggering Run

James's streak began back in January 2007. It was, by far the most extended such streak in professional basketball: MJ had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list with 575.

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

He focuses on playing the sport. He had the opportunity but due to his nature as a player and his personality off the court, he executed the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and we won the victory.”

Getting to ten points had long been a formality long before the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had attained double figures entering the fourth over twelve hundred times coming into the contest.

However, two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods had occurred just days before: He had nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak against the Suns. The very next outing, it concluded – but he still rejoiced regardless.

I only ever make the correct play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James said. When you make the right play, the basketball gods are always rewarding me.”