🔗 Share this article

LeBron James was aware his incredible streak of reaching double digits was in danger. At the decisive instant, though, it was not his focus.

The smart move meant distributing the basketball – so he did. Following that play, the unprecedented record finished.

James's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances concluded during a recent game, as basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 victory over Toronto. He provided the decisive pass, finding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James said when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Decision Secures the Game

He might have attempted to win the contest – and extended the streak – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Rui in the left corner. Rui connected, with LeBron raised his arms immediately.

It's about playing the game the proper way. You always make the right play,” James explained. That has always been my philosophy. That’s how I was taught to play. I've played that way for two decades.”

“LeBron is acutely aware exactly how many points he has during a game,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it just as he has so many times.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

He returned to the contest for the final time at just over five minutes left, the result and his personal record both hanging in the balance. He had only six points on a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He scored with 1:46 left to knot the score and missed a 14-footer with 1:01 left which could have taken him into double figures.

He avoided taking one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves gave James the ball with a few seconds left, but James decided to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, when you play it correctly, they often reward you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at a Staggering Streak

The record commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the most extended double-digit streak in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and The Mailman recorded with 575.

“He’s such a team-oriented player,” remarked Lakers center a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing hoops. The chance was there but because of his nature as a player and his character off the court, he made the pass, found Rui and we won the game.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been an afterthought early in the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had reached double figures by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times coming into the contest.

Yet two such games below ten points after three periods took place recently: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, followed by six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

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

I only ever make the right play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. If you make the unselfish play, the sports deities consistently returning the favor.”