🔗 Share this article

LeBron James was aware his incredible streak of reaching double digits was in danger. When it mattered most, however, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move was to pass the basketball – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, his remarkable run finished.

LeBron's astounding run of over 1,200 straight regular-season games with 10+ points concluded during a recent game, as the league's career points king finished with a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus Toronto. He provided the decisive pass, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot as time expired.

“Zero,” James said in response on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Decision Secures the Game

James could have tried to secure the contest – and preserved the streak – with the last shot, yet he opted to dish the ball to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Rui connected, prompting James exulted with his hands in the air.

It's about playing the game the proper way. Make the right play,” James explained. That has always been my philosophy. That’s how I learned the game. I’ve done that for two decades.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of his point total he has at all times,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted as he has done throughout his career.”

The Record's End Game

He returned to the game one last time at just over five minutes left, the win and the streak both hanging in the balance. He had a mere six points from 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to knot the score and missed a shot with 1:01 left which could have gotten him to double digits.

He didn’t take another shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves gave James the ball in the waning seconds, but James decided to make the pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you do it the proper way, they tend to repay you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at a Staggering Run

This incredible run started over eighteen years ago. It was easily the longest double-digit streak in NBA history: MJ had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded at 575.

He is such an unselfish player,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing hoops. He had the opportunity but due to who he is on the court and just who he is off the court, he chose the pass, found Rui and we won the game.”

Reaching double digits had typically been an afterthought early in the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had reached the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

However, two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods took place just days before: He recorded nine going into the fourth against Dallas last week, and then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. The very next outing, it concluded – yet he was celebrating anyway.

“I always just make the best play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James said. If you make the right play, the basketball gods forever returning the favor.”