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LeBron James was aware his monumental streak of reaching double digits was at risk. When it mattered most, however, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play involved passing the rock – so he did. Consequently, the legendary streak came to an end.

James's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped this past Thursday, when the league's career points king finished with eight total points during the Lakers' close triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He provided the decisive pass, feeding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“None,” James replied when asked on the record concluding. “We won.”

A Selfless Choice Seals the Game

He might have sought to clinch the contest – and extended the streak – on the final possession, yet he opted to dish the ball to Rui in the left corner. Rui connected, prompting James exulted triumphantly.

“Just playing the game the proper way. Make the smart play,” James explained. That has always been my M.O.. It's how I was instructed the game. I've played that way for two decades.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant of how many points he's scored during a game,” commented Lakers coach the coach. He made the play as he has done countless times.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the floor one last time at 5:23 remaining, the result along with the historic run up for grabs. His tally was a mere six points on a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He scored with under two minutes remaining to tie the game then missed a mid-range jumper with one minute to go that would have pushed him to double digits.

He passed up one more attempt – even though he had a chance. A teammate passed him the ball in the waning seconds, but James decided to make the pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you approach it the proper way, they will bless you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at a Staggering Record

James's streak started over eighteen years ago. It was, by far the greatest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run with 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing hoops. The chance was there but due to the player he is and just who he is as an individual, he executed the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and secured the game.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been a guarantee well before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had attained ten points entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

Yet two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods took place just days before: He had nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak against the Suns. In the following contest, it was over – and he celebrated all the same.

“I always just make the right play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James declared. “You make the unselfish play, the basketball gods are always rewarding me.”