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LeBron James was aware his incredible streak of scoring in double figures was in danger. In that crucial moment, however, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the ball – and he executed. Following that play, the unprecedented record was over.

LeBron's staggering streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances concluded during a recent game, when basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer to win the game.

“Zero,” James replied after being questioned about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Selfless Decision Secures the Win

He might have tried to secure the contest – and extended the streak – with the last shot, yet he opted to make the extra pass to his teammate on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, and James exulted with his hands in the air.

It's about playing the game the right way. Make the smart play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my philosophy. It's how I learned to play. I've played that way my whole career.”

James is very conscious exactly how many points he has at all times,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play just as he has countless times.”

The Run's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the contest one last time at under five and a half minutes to go, the outcome and his personal record both hanging in the balance. His tally was six points on 3 for 15 from the field then.

He scored with 1:46 left to level the contest but then missed a shot with 1:01 left that might have taken him into double figures.

He passed up a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, but James decided to make the pass instead.

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

The History of an Unparalleled Run

James's streak commenced back in January 2007. It stood as the most extended streak of its kind in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and The Mailman recorded at 575.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” noted teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing hoops. He had the opportunity but due to who he is on the court and just who he is as an individual, he made the pass, found Rui and claimed the game.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been a formality long before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had reached ten points entering the fourth over twelve hundred times before this game.

However, two such single-digit games through three quarters had occurred recently: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, followed by six going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it was over – and he celebrated regardless.

“I always just make the right play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James declared. When you make the unselfish play, the game gods consistently rewarding me.”