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LeBron James was aware his monumental streak of putting up 10+ points was in danger. At the decisive instant, though, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play was to pass the ball – and he executed. Following that play, his remarkable run came to an end.

James's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances concluded this past Thursday, as basketball's greatest scorer had only eight total points in the Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer as time expired.

“None,” James replied after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Decision Secures the Win

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the contest – and extended the streak – on the final possession, yet he opted to make the extra pass to his teammate in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, and James exulted immediately.

You have to play the game correctly. Always make the right play,” James explained. That is my philosophy. That is the way I learned the game. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

James is very conscious of his point total he's scored at any point,” said the team's head coach the coach. He made the play like he’s done countless times.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the contest one last time at 5:23 remaining, the win and his personal record on the line. He had a mere six points on 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He scored with under two minutes remaining to knot the score and missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left that would have taken him to double digits.

He didn’t take another shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves found him with a few seconds left, yet LeBron decided to dish it off instead.

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

The History of a Staggering Run

James's streak started over eighteen years ago. It was, by far the greatest double-digit streak in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list with 575.

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

“He’s just playing hoops. The chance was there but due to his nature as a player and his personality as an individual, he made the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and secured the game.”

Reaching double digits was usually an afterthought well before the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had reached ten points by the start of the fourth 1,266 times coming into the contest.

However, two such games below ten points through three quarters took place in the last week: He had nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. In the following contest, it was over – but he still rejoiced anyway.

I only ever make the correct play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James declared. “You make the right play, the sports deities consistently returning the favor.”