🔗 Share this article

LeBron James was aware his incredible run of reaching double digits was in danger. At the decisive instant, however, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play was to pass the basketball – and he executed. Consequently, the legendary streak came to an end.

LeBron's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances ended during a recent game, as the league's career points king finished with eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against Toronto. He provided the game-winning assist, feeding Rui Hachimura for a triple at the buzzer.

“None,” James said in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Play Delivers the Game

James could have sought to clinch the contest – while also extending the streak – with the last shot, but he chose to dish the ball to his teammate in the left corner. Rui connected, with LeBron exulted immediately.

You have to play the game the right way. Always make the smart play,” James explained. “That’s just been my philosophy. It's how I learned to play. I’ve done that for two decades.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of his point total he's scored at any point,” commented the team's head coach JJ Redick. He made the play as he has done countless times.”

The Streak's Final Moments

James re-entered the floor for the final time at just over five minutes left, the result along with the historic run up for grabs. At that stage, he had six points on a 3-for-15 performance then.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to level the contest then missed a mid-range jumper at one minute to go which could have pushed him into double figures.

He avoided taking one more attempt – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him in the waning seconds, but James opted to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it the right way, they tend to repay you,” Redick stated.

The History of a Staggering Record

This incredible run started back in January 2007. It was, by far the most extended such streak in NBA history: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone recorded of 575 games.

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

He simply plays the game of basketball. He could have shot but due to his nature as a player and just who he is off the court, he executed the pass, passed it to Rui and secured the game.”

Reaching double digits had typically been an afterthought well before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had achieved double figures by the start of the fourth 1,266 times coming into the contest.

However, two such games below ten points through three quarters took place in the last week: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, then had six going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it concluded – and he celebrated regardless.

“I always just make the best play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James declared. If you make the smart play, the game gods consistently returning the favor.”