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

LeBron James was aware his historic streak of scoring in double figures was at risk. At the decisive instant, however, it didn't concern him.

The smart move was to pass the ball – so he did. Following that play, the legendary streak came to an end.

LeBron's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points concluded on Thursday night, as basketball's greatest scorer had only eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against Toronto. He made the decisive pass, feeding Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot to win the game.

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

A Team-First Play Delivers the Game

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the contest – while also extending the streak – with the last shot, yet he opted to pass to his teammate on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James exulted triumphantly.

You have to play basketball the proper way. Make the right play,” James explained. That has always been my philosophy. It's how I learned the game. I’ve done that for two decades.”

James is very conscious of his point total he's scored during a game,” stated the team's head coach JJ Redick. “He did it like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the contest for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the outcome and his personal record on the line. His tally was a mere six points from a 3-for-15 performance then.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to level the contest then missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left that might have taken him into double figures.

He avoided taking one more attempt – but could have. Austin Reaves gave James the ball with a few seconds left, but James chose to dish it off instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, when you play it the right way, they often bless you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on a Staggering Streak

The record began on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the greatest streak of its kind in professional basketball: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and Karl Malone recorded at 575.

He is such an unselfish player,” remarked Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays hoops. He could have shot but because of who he is on the court and just who he is off the court, he executed the team play, found Rui and secured the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a guarantee long before the final period. Throughout his run, he had reached double figures by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times coming into the contest.

Yet two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods took place just days before: He had nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

James managed to keep the streak alive against the Suns. The very next outing, it was over – but he still rejoiced all the same.

My focus is to make the correct play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James declared. If you make the right play, the sports deities are always giving back to me.”