LBJ's Historic Scoring Streak Concludes, But Lakers Secure Win Against Raptors.

LeBron James was aware his incredible streak of scoring in double figures was in danger. When it mattered most, though, it didn't concern him.

The right decision was to pass the ball – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the legendary streak was over.

James's unprecedented run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances was snapped during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with a mere eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He provided the clutch helper, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura for a triple as time expired.

“Nothing,” James said after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Choice Delivers the Game

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the contest – while also extending his record – on the final possession, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Hachimura on the wing. Hachimura sank it, and James exulted with his hands in the air.

You have to play the game the proper way. Make the right play,” James explained. That has always been my philosophy. It's how I was taught to play. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

He is very conscious exactly how many points he's scored during a game,” stated the team's head coach the coach. He made the play as he has done countless times.”

The Record's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the game one last time with under five and a half minutes to go, the outcome and the streak both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had a mere six points from a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He scored at 1:46 left to knot the score then missed a 14-footer with 1:01 left which could have gotten him to ten points.

He didn’t take another shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball as time wound down, but James decided to make the pass instead.

The basketball deities, if you approach it correctly, they tend to bless you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on a Monumental Record

The record began back in January 2007. It was easily the greatest such streak the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan 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.

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

He focuses on playing the sport. He could have shot but due to his nature as a player and just who he is as a person, he chose the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and we won the victory.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a formality early in the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had attained ten points by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

But two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters had occurred recently: He recorded nine entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, followed by six going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it was over – and he celebrated anyway.

“I always just make the correct play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James said. If you make the right play, the basketball gods consistently rewarding me.”
Allison Velasquez
Allison Velasquez

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering casino trends and slot machine innovations.