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James understood his historic streak of reaching double digits was in danger. When it mattered most, however, it was not his focus.

The smart move was to pass the rock – and he executed. Following that play, his remarkable run came to an end.

James's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended on Thursday night, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to a mere eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He made the decisive pass, finding Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple to win the game.

“None,” James stated when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

A Team-First Play Secures the Game

He might have tried to secure the game – and extended the streak – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James celebrated immediately.

“Just playing basketball correctly. Always make the correct play,” James remarked. That is how I operate. It's how I learned the game. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

James is acutely aware of how many points he's scored at any point,” said the team's head coach the coach. He made the play just as he has throughout his career.”

The Run's End Game

LeBron checked back into the floor one last time at 5:23 remaining, the result and his personal record on the line. His tally was only six points from a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He scored at 1:46 left to knot the score but then missed a shot at 1:01 left that would have taken him to ten points.

He didn’t take another shot – but could have. A teammate passed him the ball in the waning seconds, however, James decided to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it the proper way, they will reward you,” Redick added.

The History of a Staggering Run

James's streak commenced back in January 2007. It was, by far the greatest streak of its kind the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and The Mailman was fourth on the list with 575.

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

He simply plays hoops. He could have shot but because of the player he is and just who he is off the court, he made the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and secured the game.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been a guarantee well before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had attained double figures by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times coming into the contest.

However, two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods had happened in the last week: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, followed by six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

James managed to preserve the record against the Suns. One game later, it finished – but he still rejoiced anyway.

I only ever make the best play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James said. “You make the right play, the game gods forever returning the favor.”