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The Lakers star knew his incredible run of reaching double digits was threatened. At the decisive instant, though, it was not his focus.

The smart move meant distributing the rock – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record came to an end.

LeBron's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points ended this past Thursday, as basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight total points during the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot to win the game.

“Nothing,” James stated in response about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Selfless Play Delivers the Win

James could have attempted to win the game – and extended his record – on the final possession, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Rui in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron exulted immediately.

It's about playing the game the right way. You always make the right play,” James explained. That is my M.O.. It's how I was taught the game. I've played that way my whole career.”

James is very conscious of how many points he's scored at all times,” commented Lakers coach the coach. He acted like he’s done so many times.”

The Streak's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the contest for the final time at 5:23 remaining, the result along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had a mere six points on 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

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

He didn’t take one more attempt – but could have. A teammate gave James the ball as time wound down, yet LeBron decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you do it correctly, they often reward you,” Redick stated.

The History of an Unparalleled Run

This incredible run started over eighteen years ago. It stood as the longest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run with 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” said Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

“He’s just playing hoops. He could have shot but because of the player he is and his character as an individual, he made the unselfish play, found Rui and we won the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a guarantee well before the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had achieved double figures entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters took place just days before: He recorded nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, followed by six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

James managed to keep the streak alive against the Suns. The very next outing, it finished – yet he was celebrating regardless.

I only ever make the right play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James said. When you make the right play, the sports deities are always returning the favor.”