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LeBron James was aware his incredible run of reaching double digits was in danger. When it mattered most, however, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play was to pass the basketball – and he executed. Following that play, the unprecedented record finished.

James's astounding run of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten concluded during a recent game, when the league's career points king was limited to eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the decisive pass, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer to win the game.

“None,” James stated after being questioned about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Play Secures the Win

He might have sought to clinch the contest – while also extending the streak – with the last shot, but he chose to dish the ball to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron raised his arms triumphantly.

“Just playing basketball correctly. Make the smart play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my philosophy. That is the way I learned to play. I've played that way my whole career.”

He is acutely aware exactly how many points he has at all times,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted like he’s done so many times.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the floor one last time with just over five minutes left, the win and his personal record on the line. His tally was only six points from 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He got a bucket at 1:46 left to level the contest and missed a shot at 1:01 left which could have gotten him to double digits.

He didn’t take another shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, however, James opted to make the extra pass instead.

The basketball deities, if you do it correctly, they often reward you,” Redick added.

The History of an Unparalleled Streak

James's streak started over eighteen years ago. It was, by far the greatest double-digit streak in professional basketball: MJ had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list at 575.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” remarked Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the game of basketball. The chance was there but due to his nature as a player and just who he is off the court, he executed the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and we won the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had long been an afterthought early in the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had reached ten points entering the fourth over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

But two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods had happened recently: He had nine entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it was over – but he still rejoiced all the same.

I only ever make the best play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James declared. “You make the unselfish play, the basketball gods consistently giving back to me.”