The King's Record-Setting Scoring Streak Ends, But Lakers Pull Off Victory Against Raptors.

LeBron James was aware his historic run of reaching double digits was threatened. When it mattered most, however, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision was to pass the ball – so he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record was over.

James's astounding run of over 1,200 straight regular-season games with 10+ points was snapped on Thursday night, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James said in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Play Seals the Game

He might have attempted to win the contest – and preserved the streak – with the last shot, but he chose to make the extra pass to Hachimura on the wing. Rui connected, prompting James exulted immediately.

It's about playing the game the right way. You always make the smart play,” James explained. That has always been my philosophy. That’s how I was taught the game. I’ve done that for two decades.”

James is fully cognizant exactly how many points he has during a game,” commented the team's head coach JJ Redick. He acted like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Streak's Final Moments

He returned to the game for the final time with just over five minutes left, the result and his personal record both hanging in the balance. His tally was six points from 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He scored with 1:46 left to level the contest then missed a shot at one minute to go that would have gotten him into double figures.

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves gave James the ball with a few seconds left, but James chose to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you do it the right way, they often bless you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Record

This incredible run started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the most extended double-digit streak in NBA history: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and The Mailman recorded of 575 games.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing hoops. He had the opportunity but because of his nature as a player and just who he is off the court, he chose the team play, found Rui and secured the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually a guarantee long before the final period. During James’s streak, he had achieved the 10-point mark entering the fourth over twelve hundred times coming into the contest.

However, two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters had happened in the last week: He had nine going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in preserve the record in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it finished – but he still rejoiced anyway.

“I always just make the best play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James declared. “You make the right play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”