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

The smart move was to pass the basketball – and he executed. Following that play, the legendary streak was over.

James's unprecedented run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances ended this past Thursday, when the league's career points king had only eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the decisive pass, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura for a triple at the buzzer.

“None,” James said when asked on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Decision Secures the Game

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the game – while also extending the streak – on the final possession, but he chose to dish the ball to Rui in the left corner. Rui connected, with LeBron raised his arms immediately.

You have to play the game correctly. Make the correct play,” James remarked. That is my philosophy. That is the way I was instructed the game. That's what I've done my whole career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of how many points he's scored during a game,” stated Lakers coach the coach. “He did it as he has done so many times.”

The Run's End Game

James re-entered the contest one last time with under five and a half minutes to go, the outcome and the streak up for grabs. At that stage, he had a mere six points on a 3-for-15 performance then.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to knot the score then missed a shot with 1:01 left which could have pushed him to ten points.

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

“The basketball gods, if you approach it the proper way, they tend to repay you,” the coach concluded.

The History of an Unparalleled Run

This incredible run began on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the longest streak of its kind in NBA history: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the game of basketball. He could have shot but because of the player he is and just who he is off the court, he chose the pass, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Reaching double digits was usually a formality early in the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had reached the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times before this game.

However, two such single-digit games through three quarters had happened just days before: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it was over – but he still rejoiced all the same.

“I always just make the best play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James declared. “You make the unselfish play, the basketball gods consistently rewarding me.”