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LeBron James was aware his historic streak of putting up 10+ points was threatened. When it mattered most, though, it was not his focus.

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

James's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances concluded during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only eight total points during the Lakers' 123-120 victory over Toronto. He provided the decisive pass, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer as time expired.

“None,” James stated after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

A Team-First Decision Seals Victory

James could have sought to clinch the contest – and extended his record – with the last shot, instead, he decided to pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James raised his arms triumphantly.

It's about playing the game the proper way. You always make the right play,” James noted. That has always been my M.O.. That is the way I was instructed the game. I've played that way for two decades.”

James is very conscious of his point total he's scored at any point,” commented Lakers coach the coach. He acted just as he has throughout his career.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

He returned to the game for the final time at under five and a half minutes to go, the outcome and his personal record both hanging in the balance. His tally was only six points on a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to tie the game then missed a shot at one minute to go that would have taken him to double digits.

He didn’t take one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves found him in the waning seconds, however, James opted to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

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

The History of a Staggering Run

This incredible run commenced over eighteen years ago. It stood as the most extended double-digit streak in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

He is such a team-oriented player,” said teammate a fellow Laker.

He simply plays hoops. He had the opportunity but given his nature as a player and his personality off the court, he executed the pass, found Rui and we won the victory.”

Reaching double digits had long been a formality long before the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had attained double figures entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

However, two such games below ten points through three quarters took place just days before: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it finished – yet he was celebrating all the same.

I only ever make the right play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. When you make the right play, the sports deities consistently rewarding me.”