Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James’ historic 1,297-game double-digit scoring streak reached a dramatic conclusion during Thursday’s 123-120 road win over the Toronto Raptors.
Fortunately for the 21-time All-Star, his rough shooting night didn’t cost his squad, allowing him to embrace a firm team-first postgame stance.
LeBron James Makes Feelings Clear on Historic 18-Year Scoring Streak Ending
Entering Thursday, James hadn’t failed to crack the 10-point mark in a game since Jan. 5, 2007, although he had cut it close on multiple instances this season. This includes reaching exactly 10 points late in Monday’s 125-108 blowout home loss to the Phoenix Suns.
Playing in the absence of one of his two co-stars, Luka Dončić, who is away from the team for personal reasons, James had a chance to take on an increased offensive role. Instead, the four-time MVP struggled to get going, shooting 4-for-17 (23.5%), including missing all five of his 3-point attempts.
That left Lakers star guard Austin Reaves to shoulder a heavier scoring burden. He rose to the occasion, tallying a game-high 44 points, five rebounds, 10 assists, and five triples, shooting an efficient 13-for-21 (61.9%) to keep his team firmly in the game until the final seconds.
With the score knotted at 120-120 and time winding down, James caught a feed from Reaves at the top of the arc, drove, and found an open Rui Hachimura in the corner for an open 3. The sharpshooting forward proceeded to bury a game-winning shot at the buzzer, ending James’ unprecedented offensive streak.
James finished with eight points, six rebounds, and 11 assists, primarily making his presence felt as a facilitator, a role he relished in his postgame interview. When asked what “feelings” he had about his streak being over, the 40-year-old gave a definitive response.
“None. We won,” James said.
Reflecting on his mindset on the game’s final play, with his illustrious individual accolade on the line, James cited his track record of making high-IQ plays.
“Just playing the game the right way. You always make the right play,” James explained. “That’s just been my MO. That’s how I was taught the game. I’ve done that my whole career. There’s not even one second-guessing that.”
With the thrilling last-second victory against a competitive Raptors squad (15-8), LA maintained its status as the Western Conference’s No. 2 seed (16-5). The Lakers face a quick turnaround before their next game, with a road clash against the Boston Celtics (13-9) scheduled for Friday, marking another tough challenge with Dončić likely still out of commission.
