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LeBron James was aware his historic streak of reaching double digits was in danger. In that crucial moment, though, it was not his focus.

The right decision meant distributing the rock – so he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record finished.

James's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended on Thursday night, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with a mere eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, finding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“None,” James stated in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Play Delivers the Game

He might have attempted to win the contest – while also extending his record – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to pass to Hachimura in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James raised his arms triumphantly.

It's about playing the game correctly. Always make the right play,” James explained. “That’s just been my M.O.. It's how I was taught to play. I've played that way throughout my career.”

James is very conscious exactly how many points he has at all times,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted as he has done countless times.”

The Record's End Game

James re-entered the game for the final time with just over five minutes left, the outcome and the streak on the line. At that stage, he had a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to knot the score and missed a mid-range jumper with one minute to go which could have taken him to double digits.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him as time wound down, yet LeBron chose to dish it off instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you do it the proper way, they often bless you,” the coach concluded.

The History of a Staggering Run

This incredible run began on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the longest streak of its kind the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list at 575.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” remarked Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but due to the player he is and just who he is as an individual, he made the team play, passed it to Rui and claimed the game.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a guarantee long before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had attained ten points by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times before this game.

But two of those unusual games below ten points through three quarters had happened recently: He had nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it concluded – but he still rejoiced regardless.

I only ever make the right play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James affirmed. If you make the right play, the basketball gods forever giving back to me.”