LBJ's Legendary Scoring Run Comes to a Close, However Lakers Pull Off Win Over Toronto.

James understood his incredible run of putting up 10+ points was at risk. At the decisive instant, however, it was not his focus.

The smart move involved passing the rock – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run was over.

James's unprecedented run of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances concluded this past Thursday, when the league's career points king finished with eight total points in the Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer to win the game.

“Zero,” James said when asked about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Choice Secures the Game

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the contest – and preserved his record – in the closing seconds, but he chose to pass to his teammate on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, and James raised his arms triumphantly.

You have to play basketball correctly. You always make the right play,” James noted. That has always been how I operate. That’s how I was taught the game. I’ve done that my whole career.”

He is very conscious of his point total he has at all times,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it just as he has countless times.”

The Record's Final Moments

James re-entered the contest for the final time with under five and a half minutes to go, the outcome and his personal record both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had only six points from a 3-for-15 performance then.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to knot the score but then missed a shot at 1:01 left that would have pushed him to double digits.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – but could have. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, but James decided to make the pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, when you play it the proper way, they often repay you,” the coach concluded.

The History of an Unparalleled Streak

This incredible run commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the longest streak of its kind in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone recorded of 575 games.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” said Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the sport. The chance was there but given who he is on the court and his personality as a person, he chose the pass, found Rui and we won the game.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a guarantee well before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had attained ten points by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

Yet two such games below ten points through three quarters had happened in the last week: He had nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, and then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak against the Suns. The very next outing, it was over – yet he was celebrating anyway.

I only ever make the best play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James declared. If you make the unselfish play, the game gods forever giving back to me.”