The King's Record-Setting Scoring Streak Ends, But Los Angeles Pull Off Triumph Over Raptors.

LeBron James was aware his incredible run of putting up 10+ points was in danger. In that crucial moment, though, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision was to pass the rock – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record was over.

James's unprecedented streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, finding Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James said when asked on the record concluding. “We won.”

An Unselfish Play Secures the Win

He might have attempted to win the game – and preserved the streak – on the final possession, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to Hachimura on the wing. Hachimura sank it, prompting James raised his arms immediately.

It's about playing the game correctly. Make the right play,” James explained. “That’s just been my philosophy. It's how I learned to play. I've played that way my whole career.”

James is acutely aware of his point total he's scored at all times,” stated Lakers coach the coach. “He did it just as he has countless times.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

He returned to the game one last time at under five and a half minutes to go, the win and the streak on the line. At that stage, he had only six points on 3-of-15 shooting then.

He scored with under two minutes remaining to knot the score then missed a 14-footer at one minute to go that might have gotten him to ten points.

He didn’t take one more attempt – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him as time wound down, yet LeBron chose to dish it off instead.

“The basketball gods, when you play it correctly, they will bless you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Streak

James's streak started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the most extended double-digit streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run at 575.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” noted Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing hoops. He had the opportunity but because of the player he is and just who he is as a person, he executed the pass, dished to Hachimura and we won the game.”

Getting to ten points had typically been an afterthought early in the final period. Over the course of the record, he had reached ten points by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times before this game.

But two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters had occurred just days before: He had nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it concluded – but he still rejoiced regardless.

I only ever make the correct play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James declared. When you make the unselfish play, the sports deities consistently returning the favor.”
Samuel Woods
Samuel Woods

A seasoned casino analyst with over a decade of experience in slot game reviews and gambling strategy development.