LBJ's Legendary Point-Scoring Run Ends, But Lakers Secure Win Over Toronto.

LeBron James was aware his monumental run of putting up 10+ points was in danger. In that crucial moment, however, it was not his focus.

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

LeBron's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten concluded this past Thursday, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with a mere eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He delivered the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura for a triple at the buzzer.

“None,” James replied after being questioned about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Decision Seals the Game

James could have tried to secure the game – and extended the streak – on the final possession, but he chose to dish the ball to his teammate stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron raised his arms immediately.

It's about playing basketball correctly. You always make the smart play,” James explained. That is my M.O.. That’s how I learned the game. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

He is acutely aware exactly how many points he's scored at any point,” stated the team's head coach JJ Redick. He acted just as he has so many times.”

The Run's Final Moments

James re-entered the floor for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the result along with the historic run on the line. He had a mere six points on a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He got a bucket with 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a mid-range jumper at one minute to go which could have gotten him to ten points.

He avoided taking one more attempt – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him as time wound down, however, James chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it correctly, they will bless you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at a Staggering Run

This incredible run started on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the greatest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list at 575.

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

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. He could have shot but given his nature as a player and his personality as a person, he executed the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Scoring in double figures was usually an afterthought early in the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had achieved the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods had happened in the last week: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, and then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

James managed to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it concluded – but he still rejoiced anyway.

“I always just make the best play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James declared. “You make the right play, the sports deities forever returning the favor.”