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LeBron James was aware his monumental streak of reaching double digits was threatened. At the decisive instant, though, it was not his focus.

The smart move was to pass the basketball – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, the legendary streak finished.

LeBron's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances concluded on Thursday night, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against Toronto. He delivered the game-winning assist, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a triple to win the game.

“None,” James replied when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Decision Secures the Win

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the contest – and preserved the streak – on the final possession, but he chose to pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James exulted immediately.

You have to play the game the right way. Always make the smart play,” James explained. That has always been my M.O.. That is the way I was taught to play. I've played that way my whole career.”

James is fully cognizant exactly how many points he has at any point,” stated Lakers coach the coach. He made the play like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Record's Final Moments

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

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a shot with 1:01 left that might have gotten him to ten points.

He passed up one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, but James decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

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

A Look Back at a Monumental Streak

This incredible run started over eighteen years ago. It stood as the longest such streak in professional basketball: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list with 575.

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

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. He could have shot but because of who he is on the court and his character as a person, he executed the pass, passed it to Rui and we won the game.”

Getting to ten points was usually an afterthought well before the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had attained double figures by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

However, two of those rare games below ten points after three periods had happened in the last week: He recorded nine points going into the fourth against Dallas last week, then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

He succeeded in extend the streak against the Suns. One game later, it was over – yet he was celebrating regardless.

I only ever make the best play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. “You make the unselfish play, the basketball gods forever rewarding me.”