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James understood his historic streak of scoring in double figures was threatened. In that crucial moment, however, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision involved passing the ball – so he did. Following that play, the unprecedented record was over.

LeBron's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances was snapped during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to a mere eight points in the Lakers' close win against the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the clutch helper, feeding Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple as time expired.

“Zero,” James replied in response about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Choice Seals the Game

He might have sought to clinch the contest – and extended the streak – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to pass to Rui in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, and James exulted immediately.

You have to play basketball the proper way. You always make the smart play,” James remarked. That has always been my M.O.. That is the way I was taught the game. I've played that way throughout my career.”

He is fully cognizant exactly how many points he's scored at any point,” commented Lakers coach the coach. He acted like he’s done countless times.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

He returned to the floor one last time with just over five minutes left, the outcome and the streak both hanging in the balance. His tally was a mere six points on 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a 14-footer with one minute to go that would have taken him to ten points.

He didn’t take another shot – but could have. Austin Reaves found him as time wound down, but James chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, when you play it the proper way, they tend to bless you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at a Monumental Run

This incredible run began back in January 2007. It was, by far the most extended double-digit streak in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and The Mailman recorded at 575.

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

“He’s just playing hoops. He could have shot but given the player he is and his personality as an individual, he made the pass, dished to Hachimura and we won the game.”

Reaching double digits had long been a guarantee long before the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had achieved ten points by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

However, two of those rare single-digit games after three periods had happened just days before: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

He succeeded in extend the streak against the Suns. The very next outing, it was over – but he still rejoiced regardless.

My focus is to make the right play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James said. When you make the smart play, the basketball gods forever returning the favor.”