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

The correct basketball play involved passing the ball – so he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record was over.

LeBron's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances was snapped this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the game-winning assist, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James said after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Choice Seals Victory

James could have sought to clinch the game – and preserved his record – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Hachimura on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, and James raised his arms triumphantly.

“Just playing basketball correctly. Always make the smart play,” James explained. “That’s just been my M.O.. That is the way I was instructed the game. I’ve done that my whole career.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant of his point total he has at any point,” stated Lakers coach the coach. He made the play like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the game for the final time with under five and a half minutes to go, the win along with the historic run up for grabs. He had a mere six points on 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to knot the score but then missed a shot with 1:01 left that would have taken him to double digits.

He didn’t take another shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate found him in the waning seconds, however, James decided to make the pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it correctly, they often bless you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Staggering Run

This incredible run started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the greatest streak of its kind in professional basketball: MJ had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list at 575.

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

He simply plays hoops. He could have shot but due to the player he is and his character as a person, he chose the team play, passed it to Rui and we won the victory.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a formality well before the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had achieved double figures by the beginning of the final quarter over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods took place in the last week: He had nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it concluded – and he celebrated regardless.

I only ever make the correct play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James said. If you make the right play, the basketball gods forever rewarding me.”