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James understood his incredible streak of reaching double digits was threatened. In that crucial moment, however, it was not his focus.

The smart move involved passing the basketball – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, the unprecedented record finished.

James's astounding run of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances was snapped on Thursday night, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight points in the Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the decisive pass, finding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer as time expired.

“None,” James stated after being questioned about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Selfless Play Delivers the Game

He might have sought to clinch the contest – while also extending the streak – on the final possession, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to Hachimura on the wing. Hachimura sank it, and James raised his arms immediately.

It's about playing basketball correctly. You always make the correct play,” James noted. “That’s just been my philosophy. It's how I was taught the game. I’ve done that for two decades.”

James is acutely aware exactly how many points he has during a game,” said Lakers coach the coach. “He did it like he’s done so many times.”

The Run's Final Moments

He returned to the game one last time at just over five minutes left, the result and his personal record both hanging in the balance. His tally was a mere six points on 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to level the contest then missed a shot with one minute to go which could have gotten him to ten points.

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – but could have. Austin Reaves found him with a few seconds left, yet LeBron decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, when you play it correctly, they tend to repay you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on a Staggering Record

James's streak commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the longest streak of its kind in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

“He’s such a team-oriented player,” remarked Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but due to who he is on the court and just who he is off the court, he made the team play, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually a guarantee early in the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had reached ten points by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

However, two such games below ten points after three periods had occurred in the last week: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

James managed to extend the streak against the Suns. One game later, it finished – yet he was celebrating regardless.

“I always just make the best play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. If you make the unselfish play, the sports deities forever giving back to me.”