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LeBron James was aware his historic streak of putting up 10+ points was at risk. In that crucial moment, however, it didn't concern him.

The right decision involved passing the ball – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the legendary streak finished.

LeBron's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the decisive pass, setting up Rui Hachimura for a triple as time expired.

“None,” James said after being questioned on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Decision Delivers Victory

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the game – and extended his record – with the last shot, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, and James raised his arms with his hands in the air.

It's about playing basketball the proper way. You always make the smart play,” James noted. That has always been my M.O.. That’s how I was instructed to play. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

James is very conscious exactly how many points he's scored during a game,” stated the team's head coach JJ Redick. He acted just as he has throughout his career.”

The Record's Final Moments

James re-entered the contest one last time at 5:23 remaining, the win and the streak on the line. At that stage, he had only six points from 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to tie the game and missed a shot at one minute to go that might have gotten him into double figures.

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him as time wound down, however, James decided to dish it off instead.

“The basketball gods, when you play it the right way, they will reward you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at a Monumental Run

This incredible run began back in January 2007. It was, by far the most extended streak of its kind the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run at 575.

“He’s such a team-oriented player,” said Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

“He’s just playing the sport. The chance was there but due to who he is on the court and his character off the court, he chose the pass, dished to Hachimura and claimed the victory.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a formality early in the final period. Over the course of the record, he had attained the 10-point mark entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

However, two such single-digit games after three periods took place just days before: He recorded nine going into the fourth against Dallas last week, and then had six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

James managed to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it concluded – but he still rejoiced regardless.

I only ever make the best play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. If you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods are always returning the favor.”