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LeBron James was aware his monumental run of reaching double digits was threatened. In that crucial moment, though, it didn't concern him.

The right decision meant distributing the rock – so he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run finished.

James's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten concluded this past Thursday, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against Toronto. He provided the decisive pass, finding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer to win the game.

“None,” James stated after being questioned on the record concluding. “We won.”

An Unselfish Play Secures the Game

He might have sought to clinch the game – while also extending the streak – with the last shot, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Rui in the left corner. Rui connected, and James raised his arms with his hands in the air.

“Just playing basketball the proper way. Make the correct play,” James explained. That has always been my M.O.. It's how I was taught the game. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

James is acutely aware exactly how many points he has at any point,” stated the team's head coach the coach. He acted just as he has throughout his career.”

The Record's End Game

James re-entered the floor for the final time with under five and a half minutes to go, the win and his personal record up for grabs. At that stage, he had a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a 14-footer with 1:01 left which could have gotten him to ten points.

He didn’t take one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves found him with a few seconds left, yet LeBron decided to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it correctly, they will bless you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Record

This incredible run began on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the longest streak of its kind in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run with 575.

“He’s such a team-oriented player,” noted teammate Jake LaRavia.

“He’s just playing the sport. He could have shot but because of who he is on the court and his personality as an individual, he chose the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and we won the victory.”

Getting to ten points had typically been an afterthought long before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had achieved ten points entering the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

But two such single-digit games through three quarters took place just days before: He recorded nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, followed by six going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

James managed to extend the streak against the Suns. In the following contest, it was over – but he still rejoiced anyway.

My focus is to make the correct play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James declared. When you make the smart play, the sports deities are always giving back to me.”