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The Lakers star knew his monumental run of scoring in double figures was in danger. At the decisive instant, though, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the rock – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's staggering run of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances was snapped this past Thursday, when basketball's greatest scorer had only eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the game-winning assist, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer as time expired.

“None,” James stated when asked about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers Victory

He might have tried to secure the contest – and extended the streak – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Rui on the wing. Hachimura sank it, prompting James raised his arms triumphantly.

“Just playing basketball the proper way. Always make the right play,” James remarked. That is my philosophy. That is the way I learned the game. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

He is acutely aware of how many points he's scored at all times,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it like he’s done countless times.”

The Run's End Game

LeBron checked back into the contest one last time at under five and a half minutes to go, the win and his personal record on the line. He had a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He got a bucket at 1:46 left to knot the score but then missed a 14-footer with 1:01 left which could have gotten him into double figures.

He passed up another shot – but could have. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, however, James decided to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it correctly, they will bless you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on a Staggering Run

The record began back in January 2007. It was easily the longest such streak in professional basketball: MJ had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run with 575.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” said teammate a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. The chance was there but given the player he is and his character as a person, he made the pass, passed it to Rui and claimed the game.”

Getting to ten points was usually a guarantee well before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had attained the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter over twelve hundred times coming into the contest.

However, two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters had happened in the last week: He had nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, and then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – but he still rejoiced anyway.

I only ever make the right play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the game gods consistently returning the favor.”