LeBron James's Historic Scoring Streak Comes to a Close, However Lakers Secure Win Over Raptors.

James understood his historic streak of reaching double digits was at risk. In that crucial moment, however, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the basketball – so he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak finished.

James's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points ended this past Thursday, as basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight total points during the Lakers' close win against Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot to win the game.

“Nothing,” James said when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Decision Delivers the Win

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the contest – and preserved his record – on the final possession, but he chose to dish the ball to Hachimura on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, and James celebrated with his hands in the air.

You have to play the game correctly. Always make the smart play,” James explained. That is my philosophy. That’s how I was taught the game. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

James is very conscious of how many points he has during a game,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted like he’s done countless times.”

The Streak's End Game

James re-entered the contest one last time with under five and a half minutes to go, the win and the streak both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He got a bucket with under two minutes remaining to tie the game and missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left which could have pushed him to double digits.

He avoided taking another shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him with a few seconds left, yet LeBron decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, when you play it correctly, they will repay you,” Redick stated.

The History of an Unparalleled Record

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

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. He could have shot but because of who he is on the court and his personality as a person, he made the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and secured the game.”

Reaching double digits had long been a formality early in the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had attained double figures by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

However, two such single-digit games through three quarters took place in the last week: He had nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, then had six going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

James managed to preserve the record against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – but he still rejoiced regardless.

“I always just make the right play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James declared. “You make the unselfish play, the sports deities forever rewarding me.”