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LeBron James was aware his monumental streak of scoring in double figures was in danger. At the decisive instant, however, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play was to pass the rock – so he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record came to an end.

James's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances was snapped this past Thursday, when the league's career points king finished with eight points during the Lakers' close win against the Toronto Raptors. He made the clutch helper, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a triple to win the game.

“Zero,” James replied when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers the Win

He might have sought to clinch the game – and extended the streak – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to pass to Hachimura on the wing. Rui connected, with LeBron celebrated with his hands in the air.

It's about playing basketball the right way. Make the right play,” James explained. That is my philosophy. It's how I learned the game. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

James is acutely aware of how many points he has during a game,” stated the team's head coach the coach. “He did it like he’s done so many times.”

The Run's Final Moments

James re-entered the contest one last time with 5:23 remaining, the win along with the historic run up for grabs. He had a mere six points from 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He got a bucket at under two minutes remaining to level the contest but then missed a shot at 1:01 left that might have taken him into double figures.

He passed up a subsequent shot – but could have. Austin Reaves found him with a few seconds left, however, James decided to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you approach it correctly, they will reward you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Run

James's streak began back in January 2007. It was easily the most extended streak of its kind the league has ever seen: MJ had 866 straight 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,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing hoops. He had the opportunity but due to the player he is and his personality off the court, he executed the pass, found Rui and we won the game.”

Getting to ten points was usually a guarantee well before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had reached the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times before this game.

Yet two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters took place in the last week: He had nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, followed by six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. The very next outing, it finished – but he still rejoiced anyway.

“I always just make the right play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James declared. When you make the right play, the game gods forever returning the favor.”