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James understood his monumental streak of putting up 10+ points was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play involved passing the rock – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record came to an end.

LeBron's staggering run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances was snapped on Thursday night, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James replied when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Play Delivers the Win

He might have attempted to win the game – and preserved the streak – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to make the extra pass to his teammate stationed in the corner. Rui connected, with LeBron celebrated with his hands in the air.

“Just playing the game the right way. Make the smart play,” James noted. That has always been my philosophy. That’s how I learned the game. That's what I've done my whole career.”

He is acutely aware exactly how many points he's scored during a game,” stated the team's head coach JJ Redick. “He did it as he has done throughout his career.”

The Streak's Final Moments

He returned to the contest for the final time with just over five minutes left, the result and his personal record both hanging in the balance. His tally was six points from 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to level the contest then missed a shot at one minute to go which could have gotten him to double digits.

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – but could have. Austin Reaves found him with a few seconds left, however, James decided to make the pass instead.

The spirits of the game, when you play it correctly, they often repay you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Record

James's streak began over eighteen years ago. It was, by far the greatest double-digit streak in NBA history: Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list of 575 games.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” remarked Lakers center a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the sport. He had the opportunity but due to who he is on the court and his character off the court, he executed the pass, passed it to Rui and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points had long been a formality early in the final period. Over the course of the record, he had reached the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times coming into the contest.

Yet two such single-digit games after three periods had happened recently: He recorded nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, followed by six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in extend the streak in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it finished – yet he was celebrating regardless.

I only ever make the best play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. When you make the smart play, the game gods are always rewarding me.”