🔗 Share this article

The Lakers star knew his monumental streak of putting up 10+ points was at risk. At the decisive instant, however, it was not his focus.

The right decision meant distributing the ball – so he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record came to an end.

LeBron's astounding streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten ended during a recent game, as the league's career points king was limited to eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the clutch helper, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a triple at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James stated after being questioned about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Play Seals Victory

He might have tried to secure the contest – while also extending the streak – on the final possession, but he chose to dish the ball to Hachimura on the wing. Rui connected, and James exulted with his hands in the air.

It's about playing basketball the proper way. Make the correct play,” James noted. That is how I operate. That is the way I was taught the game. That's what I've done for two decades.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of his point total he's scored at all times,” commented Lakers coach the coach. “He did it as he has done so many times.”

The Record's End Game

LeBron checked back into the floor for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the result and the streak both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had six points on 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to knot the score but then missed a shot at 1:01 left which could have gotten him into double figures.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate passed him the ball with a few seconds left, but James opted to dish it off instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it the proper way, they will reward you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Staggering Run

James's streak began on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the most extended streak of its kind in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list of 575 games.

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

He simply plays the sport. He could have shot but given his nature as a player and his character as an individual, he made the team play, passed it to Rui and we won the victory.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a formality early in the final period. During James’s streak, he had attained the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

But two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods had happened recently: He had nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

He succeeded in extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it concluded – and he celebrated anyway.

I only ever make the best play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James said. When you make the right play, the game gods consistently rewarding me.”