LBJ's Historic Point-Scoring Streak Ends, But Lakers Secure Victory Against Raptors.

LeBron James was aware his historic streak of reaching double digits was threatened. When it mattered most, however, it was not his focus.

The smart move involved passing the rock – and he executed. With that selfless act, the legendary streak finished.

LeBron's astounding run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten was snapped this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He delivered the decisive pass, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer to win the game.

“None,” James replied in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Decision Secures Victory

James could have attempted to win the game – while also extending his record – on the final possession, instead, he decided to pass to Hachimura in the left corner. Rui connected, prompting James celebrated triumphantly.

It's about playing basketball the proper way. Make the right play,” James remarked. That is my M.O.. It's how I learned the game. I've played that way throughout my career.”

He is very conscious of his point total he's scored at all times,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Run's Final Moments

James re-entered the game one last time at under five and a half minutes to go, the result along with the historic run on the line. He had a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting then.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to knot the score but then missed a 14-footer at one minute to go that might have gotten him to double digits.

He passed up a subsequent shot – but could have. Austin Reaves gave James the ball in the waning seconds, however, James chose to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you do it the proper way, they will bless you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at a Monumental Run

The record commenced back in January 2007. It was easily the most extended streak of its kind in NBA history: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list with 575.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” remarked Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the sport. He had the opportunity but because of his nature as a player and his character off the court, he made the unselfish play, found Rui and we won the victory.”

Reaching double digits had long been an afterthought well before the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had reached double figures by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

But two such single-digit games through three quarters had happened recently: He recorded nine going into the fourth against Dallas last week, and then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

James managed to keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – yet he was celebrating regardless.

“I always just make the right play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James declared. When you make the smart play, the game gods forever rewarding me.”