LeBron James's Record-Setting Point-Scoring Run Comes to a Close, Yet Lakers Claim Triumph Over Toronto.

James understood his incredible streak of scoring in double figures was at risk. At the decisive instant, though, it was not his focus.

The right decision was to pass the rock – and he executed. Consequently, his remarkable run came to an end.

James's unprecedented run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances ended during a recent game, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to a mere eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against Toronto. He delivered the clutch helper, finding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer as time expired.

“None,” James replied after being questioned on the record concluding. “We won.”

A Team-First Decision Seals the Game

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the contest – and preserved the streak – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to dish the ball to Rui in the left corner. Rui connected, and James celebrated triumphantly.

“Just playing the game correctly. Always make the smart play,” James noted. That is how I operate. It's how I learned the game. I've played that way throughout my career.”

He is fully cognizant of how many points he's scored during a game,” said Lakers coach the coach. He made the play as he has done so many times.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the floor for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the win along with the historic run up for grabs. He had only six points on a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

He got a bucket at under two minutes remaining to tie the game and missed a shot at one minute to go that would have taken him to ten points.

He passed up a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball with a few seconds left, however, James chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

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

Reflecting on a Staggering Record

James's streak began back in January 2007. It was, by far the most extended double-digit streak in professional basketball: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

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

He simply plays the game of basketball. The chance was there but because of his nature as a player and just who he is as an individual, he executed the pass, dished to Hachimura and secured the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually an afterthought long before the final period. During James’s streak, he had achieved double figures by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

But two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters took place just days before: He recorded nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six points going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

James managed to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it was over – and he celebrated regardless.

My focus is to make the best play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James declared. “You make the smart play, the sports deities are always returning the favor.”