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James understood his incredible streak of scoring in double figures was at risk. In that crucial moment, however, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play involved passing the rock – and he executed. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record was over.

LeBron's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances was snapped this past Thursday, when the league's career points king had only eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus Toronto. He delivered the clutch helper, setting up Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot as time expired.

“Zero,” James said in response on the record concluding. “We won.”

A Team-First Decision Delivers Victory

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the game – and preserved the streak – on the final possession, but he chose to make the extra pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James raised his arms with his hands in the air.

It's about playing basketball the right way. Always make the correct play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my philosophy. That is the way I learned to play. I've played that way throughout my career.”

“LeBron is very conscious exactly how many points he's scored during a game,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play just as he has throughout his career.”

The Run's End Game

LeBron checked back into the game for the final time with under five and a half minutes to go, the result and his personal record on the line. At that stage, he had a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He got a bucket with under two minutes remaining to tie the game but then missed a mid-range jumper at one minute to go that would have taken him to double digits.

He avoided taking one more attempt – even though he had a chance. A teammate passed him the ball in the waning seconds, but James chose to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

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

The History of an Unparalleled Record

The record started over eighteen years ago. It was easily the longest such streak in NBA history: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list with 575.

He is such a team-oriented player,” remarked Lakers center a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the sport. He could have shot but given who he is on the court and his personality off the court, he chose the pass, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Reaching double digits had long been a formality early in the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had reached ten points entering the fourth over twelve hundred times coming into the contest.

But two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods took place recently: He had nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

He succeeded in extend the streak against the Suns. The very next outing, it finished – and he celebrated regardless.

I only ever make the correct play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James declared. If you make the unselfish play, the game gods consistently rewarding me.”