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James understood his incredible run of scoring in double figures was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move involved passing the rock – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak was over.

LeBron's astounding streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended this past Thursday, when basketball's greatest scorer finished with a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He provided the clutch helper, finding Rui Hachimura to hit a triple to win the game.

“None,” James stated after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Decision Seals the Game

He might have tried to secure the contest – while also extending the streak – on the final possession, but he chose to make the extra pass to his teammate stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James exulted with his hands in the air.

You have to play basketball the right way. Always make the smart play,” James explained. That has always been how I operate. That’s how I learned to play. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

James is fully cognizant of his point total he's scored during a game,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it just as he has so many times.”

The Record's End Game

He returned to the floor for the final time with under five and a half minutes to go, the win and his personal record up for grabs. He had six points from 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He scored with 1:46 left to knot the score but then missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left that might have taken him into double figures.

He passed up one more attempt – but could have. Austin Reaves gave James the ball with a few seconds left, however, James opted to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, when you play it correctly, they will bless you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Streak

James's streak started back in January 2007. It was easily the longest such streak in NBA history: Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787 such games, and The Mailman was fourth on the list of 575 games.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” said Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing hoops. He could have shot but given the player he is and his character as an individual, he executed the team play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been a formality early in the final period. Throughout his run, he had attained double figures by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times before this game.

However, two such games below ten points after three periods had happened in the last week: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. In the following contest, it was over – yet he was celebrating all the same.

My focus is to make the best play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James said. “You make the smart play, the game gods consistently rewarding me.”