LBJ's Historic Scoring Streak Comes to a Close, But Lakers Pull Off Victory Against Toronto.

James understood his incredible streak of scoring in double figures was threatened. In that crucial moment, however, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play involved passing the rock – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record was over.

LeBron's unprecedented streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season games with 10+ points was snapped on Thursday night, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the clutch helper, finding Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple to win the game.

“Nothing,” James replied when asked about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Choice Seals Victory

James could have tried to secure the game – and preserved his record – on the final possession, instead, he decided to dish the ball to his teammate stationed in the corner. Rui connected, prompting James celebrated triumphantly.

It's about playing basketball the right way. Always make the correct play,” James explained. That has always been my M.O.. It's how I was taught the game. I've played that way my whole career.”

“LeBron is very conscious of his point total he's scored at any point,” stated the team's head coach the coach. He made the play as he has done countless times.”

The Run's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the floor one last time with just over five minutes left, the result and his personal record on the line. At that stage, he had a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to level the contest but then missed a mid-range jumper with one minute to go which could have taken him to ten points.

He passed up a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate passed him the ball as time wound down, but James chose to make the pass instead.

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

A Look Back at a Monumental Record

James's streak began back in January 2007. It was easily the longest streak of its kind in professional basketball: MJ had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run at 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” said teammate a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the sport. He had the opportunity but given who he is on the court and his character as a person, he executed the team play, dished to Hachimura and secured the game.”

Reaching double digits had typically been a formality early in the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had achieved the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

Yet two such single-digit games after three periods had occurred in the last week: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it was over – but he still rejoiced regardless.

I only ever make the correct play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James declared. “You make the unselfish play, the basketball gods forever returning the favor.”