🔗 Share this article

LeBron James was aware his monumental run of scoring in double figures was threatened. In that crucial moment, though, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move involved passing the rock – and he executed. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record was over.

James's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points was snapped on Thursday night, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over Toronto. He delivered the game-winning assist, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer to win the game.

“Nothing,” James said in response about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Play Secures the Win

James could have sought to clinch the game – and extended the streak – in the closing seconds, but he chose to make the extra pass to his teammate in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James raised his arms triumphantly.

It's about playing the game the proper way. Always make the right play,” James remarked. “That’s just been how I operate. That’s how I was taught the game. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware exactly how many points he's scored during a game,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play as he has done so many times.”

The Record's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the floor one last time with just over five minutes left, the win along with the historic run up for grabs. At that stage, he had only six points on 3-of-15 shooting then.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a shot at 1:01 left that would have gotten him into double figures.

He didn’t take another shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him in the waning seconds, but James decided to make the pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you approach it the right way, they often repay you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at a Staggering Streak

This incredible run commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the most extended such streak the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run at 575.

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

He simply plays the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but given his nature as a player and just who he is as a person, he chose the team play, found Rui and claimed the game.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a formality early in the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had attained ten points by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters had happened in the last week: He had nine going into the fourth against Dallas last week, then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it finished – yet he was celebrating anyway.

I only ever make the best play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James declared. If you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods consistently rewarding me.”