🔗 Share this article

LeBron James was aware his historic run of scoring in double figures was at risk. When it mattered most, though, it was not his focus.

The smart move meant distributing the rock – so he did. Following that play, his remarkable run was over.

James's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points ended this past Thursday, when basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the game-winning assist, finding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer to win the game.

“Zero,” James stated after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

An Unselfish Play Seals the Win

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the game – while also extending his record – in the closing seconds, but he chose to dish the ball to Rui in the left corner. Rui connected, and James exulted with his hands in the air.

“Just playing the game the proper way. You always make the right play,” James explained. That is how I operate. That is the way I learned to play. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

He is very conscious of his point total he's scored at all times,” stated the team's head coach the coach. He acted as he has done countless times.”

The Run's Final Moments

James re-entered the floor for the final time at just over five minutes left, the outcome and the streak up for grabs. At that stage, he had a mere six points on 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He scored with under two minutes remaining to knot the score then missed a 14-footer at one minute to go that would have pushed him into double figures.

He passed up one more attempt – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him as time wound down, yet LeBron opted to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it the proper way, they often bless you,” the coach concluded.

The History of a Monumental Record

This incredible run commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the most extended streak of its kind in professional basketball: MJ had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run with 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

“He’s just playing the sport. He could have shot but due to the player he is and his personality off the court, he executed the unselfish play, found Rui and secured the victory.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a guarantee early in the final period. Over the course of the record, he had achieved double figures by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times coming into the contest.

Yet two such games below ten points through three quarters had occurred in the last week: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, followed by six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

James managed to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it was over – yet he was celebrating all the same.

I only ever make the right play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James declared. When you make the smart play, the game gods are always giving back to me.”