LeBron James's Record-Setting Point-Scoring Run Ends, However Lakers Secure Victory Over Raptors.

LeBron James was aware his incredible streak of reaching double digits was in danger. In that crucial moment, however, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play was to pass the ball – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, the legendary streak came to an end.

LeBron's astounding streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances was snapped this past Thursday, as basketball's greatest scorer had only eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus Toronto. He made the decisive pass, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer to win the game.

“None,” James stated in response about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Decision Secures Victory

He might have tried to secure the game – and extended the streak – on the final possession, yet he opted to pass to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, and James exulted triumphantly.

You have to play basketball the proper way. Always make the right play,” James noted. That is my philosophy. That’s how I was instructed to play. That's what I've done my whole career.”

James is fully cognizant of how many points he's scored at any point,” said Lakers coach the coach. He acted as he has done so many times.”

The Run's Final Moments

James re-entered the game for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the win and the streak both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had only six points on 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He got a bucket with under two minutes remaining to knot the score then missed a shot at 1:01 left which could have taken him into double figures.

He didn’t take one more attempt – but could have. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, however, James chose to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you do it correctly, they tend to repay you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on a Monumental Run

The record started back in January 2007. It was easily the most extended such streak in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone recorded at 575.

“He’s such a team-oriented player,” said teammate Jake LaRavia.

“He’s just playing the sport. He had the opportunity but given his nature as a player and his character off the court, he made the team play, found Rui and secured the game.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a guarantee well before the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had reached ten points by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

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

James managed to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. One game later, it was over – but he still rejoiced anyway.

“I always just make the right play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James said. If you make the smart play, the sports deities consistently giving back to me.”