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The Lakers star knew his monumental run of scoring in double figures was in danger. In that crucial moment, however, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the ball – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak was over.

James's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances concluded this past Thursday, when the league's career points king had only eight total points in the Lakers' close triumph versus Toronto. He made the game-winning assist, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer as time expired.

“Zero,” James stated when asked about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Play Secures the Win

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the contest – and extended his record – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to make the extra pass to his teammate stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, and James exulted triumphantly.

You have to play basketball correctly. Make the right play,” James explained. “That’s just been how I operate. That is the way I was instructed to play. That's what I've done my whole career.”

James is acutely aware of his point total he has during a game,” said Lakers coach the coach. He made the play like he’s done countless times.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

He returned to the contest one last time with 5:23 remaining, the result and his personal record on the line. He had six points on 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He got a bucket with under two minutes remaining to level the contest then missed a 14-footer with one minute to go which could have gotten him into double figures.

He avoided taking another shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves gave James the ball as time wound down, however, James chose to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, when you play it the right way, they will repay you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Run

This incredible run started back in January 2007. It was, by far the most extended streak of its kind in NBA history: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded with 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” said teammate Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but given the player he is and his personality as a person, he chose the pass, dished to Hachimura and secured the game.”

Reaching double digits was usually a formality early in the final period. Over the course of the record, he had achieved the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

However, two such single-digit games after three periods had occurred in the last week: He recorded nine entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, and then had six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it finished – but he still rejoiced regardless.

My focus is to make the correct play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James affirmed. “You make the smart play, the sports deities forever giving back to me.”