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James understood his historic streak of scoring in double figures was in danger. At the decisive instant, though, it didn't concern him.

The right decision involved passing the basketball – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, his remarkable run came to an end.

James's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances concluded on Thursday night, when basketball's greatest scorer was limited to a mere eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the decisive pass, setting up Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James replied after being questioned on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Decision Seals the Game

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the game – and preserved the streak – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to dish the ball to his teammate stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron exulted triumphantly.

“Just playing the game the proper way. You always make the right play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my M.O.. That is the way I learned the game. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

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

The Record's End Game

James re-entered the game for the final time at 5:23 remaining, the result along with the historic run up for grabs. He had a mere six points on 3 for 15 from the field then.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to level the contest then missed a shot with 1:01 left which could have taken him to ten points.

He avoided taking one more attempt – even though he had a chance. A teammate passed him the ball as time wound down, however, James decided to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you do it the proper way, they often repay you,” the coach concluded.

The History of a Staggering Streak

James's streak started over eighteen years ago. It was, by far the greatest such streak in professional basketball: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list with 575.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but due to the player he is and his character as an individual, he made the team play, found Rui and secured the game.”

Reaching double digits was usually a guarantee long before the final period. During James’s streak, he had attained double figures entering the fourth over twelve hundred times before this game.

Yet two such single-digit games after three periods had happened just days before: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it concluded – and he celebrated anyway.

I only ever make the best play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James declared. When you make the unselfish play, the sports deities consistently giving back to me.”