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James understood his monumental run of scoring in double figures was in danger. In that crucial moment, though, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move was to pass the ball – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record was over.

James's staggering run of over 1,200 straight regular-season games with 10+ points was snapped this past Thursday, as the league's career points king was limited to eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 victory over Toronto. He delivered the game-winning assist, feeding teammate 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 Team-First Choice Delivers Victory

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the contest – and extended the streak – with the last shot, but he chose to pass to Rui in the left corner. Rui connected, with LeBron raised his arms immediately.

“Just playing the game the right way. Always make the correct play,” James explained. That has always been my M.O.. That is the way I was instructed the game. I’ve done that for two decades.”

He is fully cognizant of his point total he's scored at all times,” commented the team's head coach JJ Redick. “He did it as he has done throughout his career.”

The Streak's End Game

He returned to the floor one last time at just over five minutes left, the outcome and the streak both hanging in the balance. His tally was only six points on 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He got a bucket with 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a 14-footer at one minute to go that would have gotten him into double figures.

He passed up a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, yet LeBron decided to make the pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it the right way, they tend to reward you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at a Staggering Run

The record began on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the greatest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list at 575.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” said teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. He could have shot but because of his nature as a player and his character off the court, he chose the pass, found Rui and secured the game.”

Reaching double digits had long been a formality well before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had achieved double figures entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

But two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters had happened just days before: He had nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak against the Suns. The very next outing, it concluded – but he still rejoiced all the same.

I only ever make the best play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James declared. When you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods consistently rewarding me.”