LeBron James’ 19-year double-digit scoring streak ends – VIDEO

LeBron James’ remarkable streak of consecutive double-digit games ended after nearly 19 years. The Los Angeles Lakers star finished with eight points in a 123-120 win over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday, ending his streak at 1,297 consecutive regular-season games.

The last time James scored fewer than 10 points was January 5, 2007. Since then, he has produced one of the longest and most consistent scoring streaks in NBA history – a streak that spanned five US presidential administrations and even began before the release of the first iPhone, News.Az reports, citing foreign media.

James had a chance to extend the streak in the final seconds with the score tied at 120. Instead of forcing a shot, he drove into the paint and sent the ball to a wide-open Rui Hachimura, who drained the game-winning three-pointer.

“LeBron is very aware of how many points he has,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “But like he did throughout his career, he made the right basketball play. I knew it was right as soon as it left Rui’s hands.”

James showed little concern about the falling record.
“None,” he replied when asked for his reaction. “We won.”

After the buzzer, James celebrated with his teammates, raising his arms in triumph before joining the group around Hachimura.

Redick praised his star’s selfless decision: “The basketball gods – if you do it the right way – tend to reward you.”

James’ streak — the longest in NBA history — easily surpasses second-place Michael Jordan at 866 games. The longest active streak now belongs to Kevin Durant with 267 games.

James shot just 4 of 17 from the field and missed all five of his three-point attempts, but contributed 11 assists and six rebounds. The Lakers improved to 16-5, second in the Western Conference, while playing without Luka Dončić, who is absent from the team for personal reasons.

Reflecting on his decision to pass, James said, “You just have to play the game the right way. That’s how I was taught. There wasn’t even a second of hesitation.”

News.Az