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LeBron James was aware his incredible streak of putting up 10+ points was in danger. At the decisive instant, however, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play involved passing the basketball – so he did. Consequently, his remarkable run was over.

James's staggering run of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He made the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura to hit a triple at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James stated when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers the Win

James could have tried to secure the contest – while also extending his record – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James celebrated with his hands in the air.

“Just playing the game correctly. Make the right play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my philosophy. That is the way I was instructed the game. I've played that way my whole career.”

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

The Record's End Game

He returned to the game for the final time with under five and a half minutes to go, the win and his personal record on the line. He had a mere six points on a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

He got a bucket with 1:46 left to tie the game and missed a shot at one minute to go which could have taken him into double figures.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate found him as time wound down, yet LeBron chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you do it the proper way, they tend to bless you,” the coach concluded.

The History of a Staggering Record

This incredible run began on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the greatest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run at 575.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” said Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. He could have shot but given who he is on the court and just who he is off the court, he chose the pass, found Rui and claimed the game.”

Scoring in double figures was usually an afterthought long before the final period. During James’s streak, he had attained the 10-point mark entering the fourth over twelve hundred times coming into the contest.

However, two such single-digit games through three quarters had happened just days before: He recorded nine going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, followed by six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive against the Suns. In the following contest, it finished – but he still rejoiced regardless.

I only ever make the best play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the game gods forever returning the favor.”