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LeBron James was aware his historic run of putting up 10+ points was threatened. When it mattered most, though, it was not his focus.

The right decision involved passing the rock – and he executed. Following that play, the unprecedented record came to an end.

James's staggering run of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances was snapped during a recent game, when the league's career points king finished with eight total points in the Lakers' close win against the Toronto Raptors. He provided the clutch helper, finding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot as time expired.

“Nothing,” James stated when asked about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Play Secures Victory

James could have attempted to win the contest – and preserved the streak – on the final possession, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Hachimura in the left corner. Rui connected, and James raised his arms triumphantly.

You have to play basketball correctly. You always make the smart play,” James remarked. “That’s just been how I operate. That’s how I was instructed to play. That's what I've done my whole career.”

James is acutely aware exactly how many points he's scored at all times,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play just as he has so many times.”

The Streak's Final Moments

He returned to the contest for the final time at just over five minutes left, the win and his personal record up for grabs. He had only six points from 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He scored with under two minutes remaining to tie the game but then missed a 14-footer at one minute to go that would have pushed him to double digits.

He avoided taking one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. A teammate found him with a few seconds left, but James decided to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you do it the right way, they will reward you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Monumental Run

This incredible run commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the greatest double-digit streak in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list with 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing hoops. The chance was there but given his nature as a player and just who he is as an individual, he made the unselfish play, found Rui and we won the victory.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a formality early in the final period. Throughout his run, he had achieved ten points entering the fourth over twelve hundred times before this game.

However, two of those rare games below ten points after three periods had happened recently: He had nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – but he still rejoiced anyway.

“I always just make the correct play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. “You make the unselfish play, the basketball gods consistently returning the favor.”