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LeBron James was aware his monumental streak of reaching double digits was in danger. When it mattered most, though, it didn't concern him.

The right decision meant distributing the basketball – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record was over.

LeBron's unprecedented run of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten concluded during a recent game, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He made the decisive pass, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura for a triple at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James stated in response about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Decision Delivers Victory

James could have sought to clinch the contest – and extended his record – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to pass to Hachimura in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James raised his arms triumphantly.

It's about playing the game the right way. Make the correct play,” James remarked. That is how I operate. That is the way I was taught to play. I've played that way for two decades.”

He is acutely aware exactly how many points he's scored at all times,” commented Lakers coach the coach. He made the play like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the game for the final time at under five and a half minutes to go, the outcome along with the historic run on the line. He had six points on a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

He scored at 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left which could have pushed him to ten points.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him with a few seconds left, yet LeBron chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it the proper way, they tend to repay you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at a Monumental Record

The record started back in January 2007. It was, by far the longest streak of its kind the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and The Mailman recorded of 575 games.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” said Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the sport. He could have shot but because of the player he is and his personality as an individual, he made the team play, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Scoring in double figures was usually an afterthought well before the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had reached double figures entering the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

However, two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters had happened just days before: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

James managed to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it was over – yet he was celebrating anyway.

I only ever make the right play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James said. “You make the unselfish play, the basketball gods forever returning the favor.”