LBJ's Historic Scoring Run Comes to a Close, But Los Angeles Pull Off Triumph Over Raptors.

LeBron James was aware his historic run of reaching double digits was in danger. At the decisive instant, however, it didn't concern him.

The right decision involved passing the ball – so he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak finished.

James's unprecedented run of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended on Thursday night, as the league's career points king had only eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He made the clutch helper, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer as time expired.

“Nothing,” James stated after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Decision Secures the Game

James could have sought to clinch the contest – and extended the streak – with the last shot, but he chose to pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James exulted with his hands in the air.

You have to play the game correctly. Make the correct play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my philosophy. That’s how I was instructed to play. I’ve done that for two decades.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant of how many points he's scored at all times,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it just as he has countless times.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the game for the final time with just over five minutes left, the result and the streak on the line. His tally was six points from 3 for 15 from the field then.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to level the contest then missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left which could have taken him to double digits.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him in the waning seconds, yet LeBron chose to dish it off instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you do it the proper way, they tend to reward you,” the coach concluded.

The History of a Staggering Run

This incredible run commenced back in January 2007. It stood as the longest such streak in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list at 575.

He is such a team-oriented player,” noted teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing hoops. The chance was there but because of who he is on the court and his personality off the court, he executed the team play, dished to Hachimura and secured the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually a formality long before the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had reached the 10-point mark entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

However, two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods took place in the last week: He recorded nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six points going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – and he celebrated anyway.

I only ever make the correct play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. If you make the right play, the game gods forever returning the favor.”