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The Lakers star knew his monumental streak of scoring in double figures was threatened. At the decisive instant, though, it didn't concern him.

The smart move involved passing the basketball – so he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record came to an end.

LeBron's unprecedented streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances concluded on Thursday night, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to a mere eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He delivered the decisive pass, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot to win the game.

“Zero,” James said when asked on the record concluding. “We won.”

A Team-First Decision Delivers Victory

James could have attempted to win the contest – while also extending his record – on the final possession, but he chose to pass to his teammate stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron celebrated with his hands in the air.

It's about playing basketball the right way. You always make the correct play,” James noted. “That’s just been how I operate. That is the way I was instructed to play. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

He is very conscious of how many points he has at all times,” commented the team's head coach the coach. He acted like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the game one last time at 5:23 remaining, the win and his personal record both hanging in the balance. He had six points from a 3-for-15 performance then.

He scored with 1:46 left to tie the game and missed a mid-range jumper at one minute to go which could have gotten him into double figures.

He didn’t take one more attempt – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him in the waning seconds, but James opted to make the pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it correctly, they will bless you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Staggering Streak

The record started back in January 2007. It was easily the greatest streak of its kind in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run at 575.

He is such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

“He’s just playing hoops. He could have shot but due to the player he is and his character as a person, he executed the team play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Reaching double digits was usually a guarantee long before the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had achieved double figures entering the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

But two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters took place just days before: He had nine entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, and then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it finished – and he celebrated anyway.

“I always just make the correct play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James declared. If you make the right play, the sports deities consistently returning the favor.”