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James understood his historic streak of putting up 10+ points was threatened. When it mattered most, however, it was not his focus.

The smart move involved passing the rock – so he did. Following that play, the legendary streak finished.

James's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances was snapped on Thursday night, when the league's career points king had only eight total points during the Lakers' 123-120 victory over Toronto. He made the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura to hit a triple at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James replied when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Play Secures the Game

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the contest – while also extending his record – on the final possession, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to Rui on the wing. Hachimura sank it, prompting James raised his arms with his hands in the air.

It's about playing basketball the right way. Make the smart play,” James noted. That is my M.O.. That is the way I learned the game. I've played that way for two decades.”

He is very conscious of his point total he has at all times,” commented the team's head coach JJ Redick. He made the play just as he has so many times.”

The Record's End Game

James re-entered the floor one last time at just over five minutes left, the outcome along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had six points on 3 for 15 from the field then.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to knot the score but then missed a 14-footer with one minute to go that would have gotten him to ten points.

He passed up another shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him as time wound down, however, James decided to make the extra pass instead.

The basketball deities, if you do it correctly, they tend to reward you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Monumental Record

The record started back in January 2007. It was easily the greatest double-digit streak in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and The Mailman was fourth on the list at 575.

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

He simply plays the game of basketball. The chance was there but because of the player he is and just who he is as an individual, he chose the pass, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Reaching double digits was usually an afterthought well before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had achieved double figures by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

Yet two such games below ten points after three periods had occurred recently: He had nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – but he still rejoiced regardless.

I only ever make the right play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. “You make the unselfish play, the sports deities are always returning the favor.”