LBJ's Record-Setting Point-Scoring Streak Comes to a Close, But Lakers Pull Off Win Over Raptors.

The Lakers star knew his incredible run of putting up 10+ points was in danger. When it mattered most, however, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play was to pass the ball – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the legendary streak finished.

James's staggering run of over 1,200 straight regular-season games with 10+ points was snapped this past Thursday, when basketball's greatest scorer finished with a mere eight points in the Lakers' close win against Toronto. He made the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot to win the game.

“Nothing,” James said after being questioned on the record concluding. “We won.”

An Unselfish Play Secures the Win

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the game – and extended his record – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to pass to his teammate in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James raised his arms immediately.

It's about playing the game correctly. You always make the right play,” James explained. “That’s just been my philosophy. That is the way I learned to play. I've played that way for two decades.”

James is very conscious of how many points he has at all times,” stated Lakers coach the coach. He acted like he’s done so many times.”

The Run's Final Moments

James re-entered the floor for the final time at 5:23 remaining, the outcome and the streak both hanging in the balance. He had a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to knot the score then missed a shot with 1:01 left that might have taken him to double digits.

He didn’t take one more attempt – but could have. A teammate gave James the ball as time wound down, yet LeBron decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, when you play it correctly, they will reward you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Record

The record started over eighteen years ago. It was, by far the longest such streak in NBA history: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and Karl Malone recorded at 575.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” said teammate Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays hoops. He had the opportunity but because of his nature as a player and his character as an individual, he chose the pass, dished to Hachimura and secured the game.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a guarantee well before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had reached double figures by the start of the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

Yet two such single-digit games through three quarters had occurred just days before: He recorded nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

He succeeded in preserve the record against the Suns. One game later, it was over – yet he was celebrating anyway.

My focus is to make the best play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. If you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods are always rewarding me.”