LeBron James's Legendary Scoring Run Concludes, But Lakers Pull Off Win Against Raptors.

LeBron James was aware his incredible run of scoring in double figures was at risk. At the decisive instant, however, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play involved passing the ball – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, his remarkable run finished.

James's astounding run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season games with 10+ points concluded this past Thursday, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the clutch helper, finding Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“None,” James replied when asked on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers the Game

James could have attempted to win the game – and extended his record – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Hachimura in the left corner. Rui connected, with LeBron raised his arms triumphantly.

“Just playing basketball the right way. Always make the smart play,” James remarked. That has always been my M.O.. That is the way I was taught to play. I’ve done that my whole career.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant exactly how many points he's scored at any point,” said the team's head coach the coach. He acted like he’s done countless times.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the floor one last time at just over five minutes left, the result and his personal record up for grabs. His tally was six points on 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to tie the game but then missed a 14-footer with one minute to go that would have taken him into double figures.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate gave James the ball as time wound down, yet LeBron chose to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, when you play it correctly, they often repay you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Monumental Streak

The record began back in January 2007. It was easily the greatest streak of its kind in professional basketball: Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded of 575 games.

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

He simply plays hoops. He had the opportunity but due to who he is on the court and his character as a person, he made the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and secured the victory.”

Reaching double digits had long been a formality early in the final period. Throughout his run, he had achieved ten points entering the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

But two of those unusual games below ten points through three quarters took place in the last week: He had nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six points going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. One game later, it finished – but he still rejoiced regardless.

I only ever make the right play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James said. When you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods consistently giving back to me.”