🔗 Share this article

LeBron James was aware his monumental streak of reaching double digits was threatened. At the decisive instant, though, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move was to pass the ball – and he executed. Consequently, the unprecedented record finished.

James's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points ended during a recent game, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against Toronto. He delivered the decisive pass, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot as time expired.

“Nothing,” James said in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

A Team-First Choice Seals the Game

James could have tried to secure the game – and extended his record – on the final possession, yet he opted to pass to Rui in the left corner. Rui connected, prompting James raised his arms triumphantly.

It's about playing basketball correctly. Make the correct play,” James noted. That is my philosophy. That is the way I learned the game. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

He is fully cognizant of how many points he's scored during a game,” said Lakers coach the coach. He acted just as he has countless times.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the game one last time with 5:23 remaining, the result along with the historic run up for grabs. His tally was six points on 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He scored at 1:46 left to knot the score and missed a mid-range jumper at one minute to go which could have gotten him to double digits.

He passed up another shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him as time wound down, however, James opted to dish it off instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, when you play it correctly, they will reward you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on a Staggering Run

This incredible run commenced over eighteen years ago. It was easily the most extended such streak in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded with 575.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” noted Lakers center a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing hoops. The chance was there but due to who he is on the court and just who he is off the court, he executed the team play, passed it to Rui and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually a formality long before the final period. Throughout his run, he had attained the 10-point mark entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

But two of those rare single-digit games after three periods had occurred just days before: He had nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, and then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive against the Suns. In the following contest, it finished – but he still rejoiced all the same.

“I always just make the correct play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James declared. If you make the right play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”