The Lakers star knew his historic run of scoring in double figures was in danger. When it mattered most, however, it didn't concern him.
The correct basketball play was to pass the ball – so he did. Following that play, the unprecedented record was over.
LeBron's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points was snapped this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with a mere eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He made the clutch helper, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a triple to win the game.
“Nothing,” James said after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”
A Selfless Decision Seals the Game
LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the contest – and extended his record – on the final possession, but he chose to dish the ball to Rui on the wing. Rui connected, and James raised his arms immediately.
It's about playing basketball the proper way. Make the right play,” James explained. That is how I operate. That is the way I was instructed the game. That's what I've done for two decades.”
James is very conscious exactly how many points he's scored at any point,” stated the team's head coach JJ Redick. He made the play just as he has so many times.”
The Record's Closing Chapter
LeBron checked back into the game one last time at just over five minutes left, the result along with the historic run on the line. His tally was a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting by that point.
He got a bucket with under two minutes remaining to level the contest then missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left that would have gotten him to ten points.
He didn’t take one more attempt – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him as time wound down, however, James decided to make the pass instead of shooting.
“The basketball gods, when you play it the right way, they often bless you,” Redick stated.
Reflecting on a Monumental Record
This incredible run started over eighteen years ago. It was, by far the longest such streak the league has ever seen: MJ had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.
He is such a pass-first superstar,” remarked Lakers center Jake LaRavia.
He focuses on playing the sport. He had the opportunity but because of his nature as a player and his personality off the court, he chose the pass, dished to Hachimura and secured the game.”
Scoring in double figures had long been a guarantee well before the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had reached the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times before this game.
However, two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods took place in the last week: He had nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, and then had six going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.
LeBron was able to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it finished – and he celebrated regardless.
I only ever make the correct play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James said. If you make the unselfish play, the sports deities consistently giving back to me.”
