LBJ's Record-Setting Point-Scoring Streak Ends, However Lakers Pull Off Victory Against Toronto.

James understood his incredible run of putting up 10+ points was in danger. When it mattered most, however, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play was to pass the basketball – so he did. Following that play, the legendary streak was over.

LeBron's staggering streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances was snapped during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He provided the decisive pass, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot to win the game.

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

An Unselfish Play Delivers the Win

He might have sought to clinch the game – and preserved his record – on the final possession, yet he opted to dish the ball to Hachimura on the wing. Rui connected, prompting James exulted immediately.

It's about playing the game the proper way. You always make the smart play,” James noted. That is how I operate. That is the way I learned the game. I’ve done that for two decades.”

He is fully cognizant exactly how many points he has at any point,” stated Lakers coach the coach. He acted just as he has so many times.”

The Streak's End Game

LeBron checked back into the game for the final time at just over five minutes left, the win and his personal record on the line. At that stage, he had only six points on a 3-for-15 performance then.

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

He avoided taking one more attempt – but could have. Austin Reaves gave James the ball with a few seconds left, however, James opted to make the extra pass instead.

The basketball deities, if you do it correctly, they will bless you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at a Staggering Record

James's streak started over eighteen years ago. It was easily the longest streak of its kind in NBA history: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run with 575.

He is such a team-oriented player,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the game of basketball. He could have shot but due to the player he is and just who he is as an individual, he made the pass, dished to Hachimura and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually an afterthought early in the final period. Throughout his run, he had achieved the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth 1,266 times coming into the contest.

But two of those unusual games below ten points through three quarters had happened just days before: He recorded nine entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it finished – yet he was celebrating regardless.

“I always just make the right play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James said. If you make the smart play, the basketball gods forever giving back to me.”