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James understood his historic run of reaching double digits was in danger. In that crucial moment, however, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play involved passing the rock – so he did. Following that play, the legendary streak was over.

James's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points concluded this past Thursday, as the league's career points king finished with eight total points in the Lakers' 123-120 victory over Toronto. He made the clutch helper, finding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot as time expired.

“None,” James said when asked on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Play Seals the Game

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the game – while also extending his record – on the final possession, instead, he decided to pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Rui connected, prompting James celebrated with his hands in the air.

It's about playing the game correctly. Make the smart play,” James remarked. That is my philosophy. That is the way I learned to play. I’ve done that my whole career.”

James is very conscious of how many points he has at any point,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play as he has done countless times.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the floor for the final time with just over five minutes left, the result along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. He had a mere six points from 3 for 15 from the field then.

He got a bucket at 1:46 left to level the contest and missed a shot at 1:01 left that might have gotten him to ten points.

He avoided taking another shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves found him with a few seconds left, however, James opted to dish it off instead.

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

Reflecting on a Monumental Run

This incredible run commenced back in January 2007. It was easily the longest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list at 575.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but because of who he is on the court and his character off the court, he made the pass, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been a guarantee early in the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had achieved the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

Yet two such games below ten points through three quarters had happened in the last week: He had nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – and he celebrated all the same.

My focus is to make the best play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. “You make the right play, the sports deities are always rewarding me.”