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LeBron James was aware his incredible run of scoring in double figures was in danger. In that crucial moment, though, it was not his focus.

The smart move involved passing the basketball – so he did. Following that play, his remarkable run was over.

LeBron's staggering streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten concluded during a recent game, as basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against Toronto. He provided the game-winning assist, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer to win the game.

“None,” James replied when asked on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Play Delivers Victory

James could have sought to clinch the game – and preserved his record – on the final possession, instead, he decided to pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron raised his arms with his hands in the air.

It's about playing the game the proper way. Always make the right play,” James noted. That is how I operate. That’s how I learned to play. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of his point total he has during a game,” commented Lakers coach the coach. He made the play as he has done countless times.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

He returned to the game for the final time at just over five minutes left, the outcome along with the historic run on the line. His tally was six points on 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to knot the score then missed a 14-footer with 1:01 left that might have gotten him to ten points.

He avoided taking one more attempt – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him as time wound down, yet LeBron decided to make the pass instead.

The basketball deities, when you play it the right way, they often reward you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Record

The record began on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the longest streak of its kind in professional basketball: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

He is such an unselfish player,” said teammate Jake LaRavia.

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. The chance was there but because of the player he is and just who he is as a person, he executed the unselfish play, found Rui and claimed the game.”

Reaching double digits was usually an afterthought well before the final period. During James’s streak, he had reached ten points by the start of the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

But two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters took place recently: He recorded nine going into the fourth against Dallas last week, followed by six points going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in preserve the record in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it concluded – yet he was celebrating anyway.

“I always just make the right play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. If you make the right play, the sports deities forever rewarding me.”