The King's Historic Point-Scoring Streak Concludes, But Lakers Pull Off Win Against Toronto.

The Lakers star knew his monumental run of scoring in double figures was at risk. When it mattered most, however, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision was to pass the rock – and he executed. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record came to an end.

LeBron's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten ended on Thursday night, as the league's career points king was limited to a mere eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“None,” James stated after being questioned about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Play Delivers the Game

James could have attempted to win the game – and extended his record – with the last shot, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron raised his arms with his hands in the air.

“Just playing the game the proper way. Make the right play,” James noted. That has always been my M.O.. That is the way I learned to play. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

He is acutely aware exactly how many points he has during a game,” commented the team's head coach JJ Redick. He acted just as he has so many times.”

The Streak's End Game

LeBron checked back into the contest one last time with just over five minutes left, the outcome and the streak on the line. He had a mere six points from a 3-for-15 performance then.

He scored with 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a 14-footer with one minute to go that might have pushed him into double figures.

He passed up a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate gave James the ball as time wound down, however, James chose to make the extra pass instead.

“The basketball gods, when you play it the proper way, they often repay you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at a Monumental Record

The record began on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the greatest streak of its kind in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and The Mailman recorded with 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” noted teammate Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the sport. The chance was there but because of the player he is and his personality as an individual, he executed the team play, found Rui and secured the victory.”

Reaching double digits had typically been a guarantee long before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had reached double figures entering the fourth over twelve hundred times before this game.

But two of those rare single-digit games after three periods had occurred recently: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

He succeeded in extend the streak in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it was over – but he still rejoiced anyway.

I only ever make the right play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. “You make the smart play, the basketball gods consistently returning the favor.”