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James understood his incredible streak of putting up 10+ points was threatened. At the decisive instant, however, it didn't concern him.

The smart move involved passing the basketball – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record came to an end.

LeBron's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances was snapped on Thursday night, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight points during the Lakers' close triumph versus Toronto. He made the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot as time expired.

“None,” James said in response about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Play Seals Victory

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the contest – while also extending the streak – with the last shot, but he chose to pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James raised his arms immediately.

“Just playing the game the right way. Make the correct play,” James explained. “That’s just been my M.O.. That is the way I learned the game. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

James is fully cognizant of his point total he's scored at any point,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted like he’s done countless times.”

The Streak's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the contest one last time with just over five minutes left, the result along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. His tally was six points from a 3-for-15 performance then.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to knot the score but then missed a mid-range jumper with one minute to go that would have gotten him into double figures.

He passed up another shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, however, James opted to make the pass instead of shooting.

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

The History of an Unparalleled Streak

James's streak started back in January 2007. It was, by far the greatest streak of its kind in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list at 575.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” remarked Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but due to the player he is and just who he is as a person, he executed the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and claimed the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had long been an afterthought long before the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had attained ten points entering the fourth over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

But two such games below ten points through three quarters took place just days before: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, and then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it concluded – and he celebrated anyway.

I only ever make the right play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James said. “You make the smart play, the sports deities consistently returning the favor.”