LBJ's Legendary Point-Scoring Streak Concludes, But Los Angeles Claim Triumph Against Toronto.

LeBron James was aware his historic run of reaching double digits was in danger. When it mattered most, though, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play was to pass the rock – and he executed. Following that play, the legendary streak finished.

James's staggering streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season games with 10+ points was snapped on Thursday night, when basketball's greatest scorer had only eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, finding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot to win the game.

“Nothing,” James stated in response about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Decision Seals the Game

James could have sought to clinch the game – and extended his record – with the last shot, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Rui on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, and James exulted triumphantly.

You have to play the game correctly. Always make the right play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my M.O.. It's how I was instructed the game. I’ve done that for two decades.”

He is acutely aware exactly how many points he has during a game,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it as he has done so many times.”

The Run's Final Moments

He returned to the floor one last time at under five and a half minutes to go, the outcome and the streak both hanging in the balance. He had a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He got a bucket with 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left that might have taken him to ten points.

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – but could have. Austin Reaves gave James the ball as time wound down, however, James opted to make the pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it the proper way, they often reward you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on a Monumental Streak

The record commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the most extended double-digit streak in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run at 575.

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

“He’s just playing the sport. He could have shot but because of the player he is and his character as an individual, he executed the unselfish play, found Rui and claimed the game.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been a formality long before the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had attained double figures entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

But two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters had occurred just days before: He recorded nine entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, followed by six going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it concluded – yet he was celebrating regardless.

“I always just make the right play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James affirmed. “You make the right play, the sports deities consistently rewarding me.”