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James understood his incredible run of putting up 10+ points was in danger. In that crucial moment, though, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision involved passing the ball – and he executed. Consequently, the unprecedented record was over.

LeBron's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points concluded on Thursday night, when basketball's greatest scorer had only eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the decisive pass, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“None,” James replied in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Choice Delivers the Game

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the contest – and extended the streak – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to dish the ball to his teammate in the left corner. Rui connected, and James celebrated immediately.

“Just playing the game the right way. You always make the correct play,” James remarked. That has always been my M.O.. That’s how I learned the game. That's what I've done my whole career.”

“LeBron is very conscious exactly how many points he's scored during a game,” stated Lakers coach the coach. “He did it as he has done throughout his career.”

The Run's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the game for the final time at just over five minutes left, the outcome and the streak both hanging in the balance. His tally was six points from 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to knot the score and missed a mid-range jumper with one minute to go that would have pushed him to double digits.

He didn’t take one more attempt – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him with a few seconds left, however, James chose to dish it off instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you do it correctly, they often repay you,” Redick stated.

The History of a Staggering Run

James's streak began on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the most extended streak of its kind the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” noted Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays hoops. The chance was there but given his nature as a player and just who he is off the court, he made the pass, passed it to Rui and claimed the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a guarantee long before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had attained double figures entering the fourth 1,266 times coming into the contest.

However, two such single-digit games after three periods had occurred just days before: He recorded nine going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, followed by six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

James managed to extend the streak against the Suns. In the following contest, it finished – yet he was celebrating anyway.

My focus is to make the correct play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James declared. When you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods forever rewarding me.”