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The Lakers star knew his monumental streak of scoring in double figures was at risk. When it mattered most, though, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play was to pass the rock – so he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record was over.

James's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten ended on Thursday night, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot to win the game.

“Nothing,” James stated when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

An Unselfish Decision Secures the Game

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the contest – and preserved his record – with the last shot, but he chose to pass to his teammate in the left corner. Rui connected, with LeBron exulted with his hands in the air.

You have to play basketball correctly. Make the smart play,” James remarked. That has always been my M.O.. That is the way I was instructed the game. That's what I've done for two decades.”

James is very conscious exactly how many points he's scored at all times,” stated Lakers coach the coach. He acted as he has done countless times.”

The Streak's Final Moments

He returned to the contest for the final time at 5:23 remaining, the result and the streak up for grabs. He had a mere six points on a 3-for-15 performance then.

He scored with under two minutes remaining to tie the game and missed a shot with one minute to go that would have taken him to ten points.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves gave James the ball as time wound down, yet LeBron opted to make the pass instead.

“The basketball gods, when you play it the proper way, they tend to reward you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Record

This incredible run began back in January 2007. It stood as the most extended double-digit streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded of 575 games.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

“He’s just playing the sport. He had the opportunity but given the player he is and his character as an individual, he chose the pass, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a guarantee early in the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had attained ten points by the start of the fourth 1,266 times coming into the contest.

However, two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters took place recently: He had nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to extend the streak against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – yet he was celebrating all the same.

I only ever make the best play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. When you make the right play, the sports deities are always giving back to me.”