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LeBron James was aware his historic run of reaching double digits was at risk. When it mattered most, however, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the ball – so he did. Consequently, the legendary streak came to an end.

James's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten ended during a recent game, as the league's career points king finished with a mere eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 victory over Toronto. He delivered the clutch helper, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer to win the game.

“Zero,” James replied when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

A Selfless Choice Delivers the Game

He might have sought to clinch the game – and preserved his record – with the last shot, but he chose to pass to his teammate in the left corner. Rui connected, with LeBron raised his arms triumphantly.

You have to play the game the proper way. Make the smart play,” James explained. That has always been my philosophy. It's how I was instructed the game. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of his point total he's scored at any point,” commented Lakers coach the coach. “He did it like he’s done countless times.”

The Streak's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the game one last time with just over five minutes left, the win along with the historic run on the line. His tally was only six points from 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to knot the score then missed a shot at 1:01 left that might have pushed him to double digits.

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – but could have. A teammate gave James the ball with a few seconds left, however, James decided to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

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

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Run

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

He is such a pass-first superstar,” remarked Lakers center a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing hoops. He had the opportunity but due to the player he is and his personality as an individual, he chose the unselfish play, found Rui and we won the game.”

Reaching double digits had long been an afterthought early in the final period. Throughout his run, he had achieved the 10-point mark entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

However, two of those rare games below ten points through three quarters had occurred recently: He had nine entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, then had six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in preserve the record against the Suns. In the following contest, it concluded – but he still rejoiced all the same.

I only ever make the right play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James affirmed. When you make the smart play, the sports deities consistently returning the favor.”