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James understood his incredible streak of scoring in double figures was at risk. When it mattered most, however, it didn't concern him.

The smart move was to pass the rock – so he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak was over.

LeBron's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances was snapped during a recent game, when the league's career points king was limited to eight points in the Lakers' close triumph versus Toronto. He made the game-winning assist, finding Rui Hachimura to hit a triple at the buzzer.

“None,” James said after being questioned on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Decision Delivers Victory

James could have tried to secure the contest – and extended his record – with the last shot, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Rui in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James raised his arms immediately.

“Just playing the game the proper way. Always make the correct play,” James noted. That is my philosophy. It's how I learned the game. I've played that way throughout my career.”

James is fully cognizant of how many points he has during a game,” said Lakers coach the coach. “He did it as he has done so many times.”

The Run's End Game

LeBron checked back into the game for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the outcome and his personal record both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had six points from 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to level the contest but then missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left which could have pushed him into double figures.

He passed up a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him in the waning seconds, yet LeBron chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it the right way, they tend to bless you,” Redick added.

The History of a Monumental Run

James's streak commenced back in January 2007. It was, by far the greatest such streak in NBA history: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list with 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays hoops. He had the opportunity but because of the player he is and just who he is as a person, he chose the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a guarantee well before the final period. During James’s streak, he had achieved ten points entering the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

However, two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters had happened in the last week: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, and then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

He succeeded in preserve the record in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it was over – and he celebrated anyway.

“I always just make the right play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James said. “You make the right play, the sports deities are always returning the favor.”