The King's Record-Setting Scoring Streak Comes to a Close, But Lakers Claim Triumph Over Raptors.

LeBron James was aware his historic run of reaching double digits was in danger. In that crucial moment, though, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move involved passing the basketball – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record came to an end.

LeBron's astounding run of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended on Thursday night, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with a mere eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, finding Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James said when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers Victory

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the game – and preserved the streak – with the last shot, yet he opted to dish the ball to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James exulted with his hands in the air.

You have to play basketball the proper way. Make the right play,” James explained. That is my M.O.. That is the way I was taught to play. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

James is acutely aware exactly how many points he's scored at all times,” commented the team's head coach JJ Redick. He acted as he has done so many times.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the contest one last time with just over five minutes left, the win and the streak up for grabs. His tally was a mere six points on 3 for 15 from the field then.

He scored with under two minutes remaining to level the contest then missed a shot at 1:01 left that might have gotten him to double digits.

He avoided taking one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, but James chose to dish it off instead.

The spirits of the game, when you play it the right way, they tend to reward you,” Redick stated.

The History of a Staggering Run

The record commenced over eighteen years ago. It was easily the longest double-digit streak in NBA history: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787 such games, and The Mailman was fourth on the list with 575.

“He’s such a team-oriented player,” noted Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the sport. The chance was there but given his nature as a player and his character as a person, he made the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and we won the game.”

Reaching double digits was usually a guarantee early in the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had reached the 10-point mark entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

Yet two such single-digit games through three quarters took place just days before: He recorded nine points going into the fourth against Dallas last week, then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak against the Suns. In the following contest, it was over – and he celebrated anyway.

My focus is to make the correct play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. If you make the unselfish play, the sports deities forever giving back to me.”