James understood his incredible streak of reaching double digits was at risk. At the decisive instant, however, it didn't concern him.
The smart move meant distributing the ball – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, the unprecedented record finished.
James's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points ended during a recent game, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to a mere eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the clutch helper, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot at the buzzer.
“Nothing,” James replied after being questioned on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”
James could have attempted to win the contest – while also extending his record – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to pass to Hachimura on the wing. Rui connected, with LeBron celebrated with his hands in the air.
You have to play basketball correctly. You always make the right play,” James noted. “That’s just been my M.O.. That’s how I learned the game. That's what I've done throughout my career.”
James is very conscious exactly how many points he has at all times,” commented the team's head coach the coach. He made the play as he has done so many times.”
He returned to the contest one last time at just over five minutes left, the win along with the historic run up for grabs. He had six points from 3-of-15 shooting by that point.
He got a bucket at under two minutes remaining to level the contest and missed a shot with 1:01 left that might have taken him to double digits.
He passed up one more attempt – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him in the waning seconds, however, James opted to dish it off instead of shooting.
The basketball deities, when you play it the right way, they often repay you,” Redick added.
This incredible run commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the most extended double-digit streak the league has ever seen: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list at 575.
LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” noted Lakers center a fellow Laker.
“He’s just playing the sport. He could have shot but given the player he is and his personality off the court, he executed the pass, dished to Hachimura and secured the game.”
Reaching double digits had typically been a guarantee long before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had reached double figures by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.
But two of those rare games below ten points through three quarters had occurred in the last week: He recorded nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, and then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.
LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it was over – but he still rejoiced regardless.
My focus is to make the right play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. When you make the smart play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”
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