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James understood his incredible streak of putting up 10+ points was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play involved passing the ball – so he did. Consequently, the legendary streak finished.

LeBron's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances was snapped on Thursday night, when basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight total points in the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He made the clutch helper, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a triple to win the game.

“Nothing,” James replied when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Choice Seals the Game

James could have sought to clinch the contest – and extended the streak – with the last shot, but he chose to make the extra pass to his teammate on the wing. Hachimura sank it, and James raised his arms immediately.

“Just playing the game the right way. Always make the smart play,” James noted. That has always been my M.O.. It's how I was instructed to play. That's what I've done my whole career.”

James is acutely aware of how many points he's scored during a game,” stated Lakers coach the coach. He made the play as he has done countless times.”

The Streak's End Game

James re-entered the game for the final time at just over five minutes left, the win and the streak up for grabs. He had only six points on 3 for 15 from the field then.

He scored with 1:46 left to knot the score then missed a shot with 1:01 left that might have pushed him to double digits.

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – but could have. A teammate passed him the ball in the waning seconds, however, James opted to make the pass instead.

The basketball deities, if you do it the right way, they will reward you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on a Staggering Run

James's streak commenced over eighteen years ago. It stood as the greatest double-digit streak in NBA history: MJ had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list with 575.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” noted teammate a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the sport. He had the opportunity but due to who he is on the court and just who he is off the court, he made the team play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the victory.”

Reaching double digits was usually an afterthought long before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had reached double figures by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times coming into the contest.

But two such single-digit games after three periods had happened recently: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, followed by six going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive against the Suns. In the following contest, it was over – but he still rejoiced regardless.

I only ever make the right play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the basketball gods forever rewarding me.”