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James understood his historic streak of putting up 10+ points was threatened. In that crucial moment, though, it didn't concern him.

The right decision was to pass the ball – and he executed. Following that play, the legendary streak came to an end.

LeBron's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten concluded on Thursday night, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer to win the game.

“None,” James said after being questioned about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Team-First Decision Delivers the Win

James could have tried to secure the contest – and preserved his record – on the final possession, yet he opted to pass to Hachimura in the left corner. Rui connected, with LeBron raised his arms triumphantly.

“Just playing basketball the proper way. You always make the smart play,” James remarked. That has always been my philosophy. It's how I learned the game. I've played that way my whole career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of his point total he has at any point,” commented Lakers coach the coach. He acted like he’s done countless times.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

He returned to the floor for the final time with just over five minutes left, the result and the streak both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had a mere six points on 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He got a bucket with 1:46 left to level the contest but then missed a mid-range jumper with one minute to go that might have gotten him into double figures.

He passed up a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate gave James the ball in the waning seconds, however, James decided to make the pass instead.

The basketball deities, when you play it correctly, they will bless you,” Redick stated.

The History of an Unparalleled Run

The record started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the greatest streak of its kind in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

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

He simply plays the sport. The chance was there but due to the player he is and his character off the court, he chose the team play, dished to Hachimura and secured the victory.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a formality early in the final period. Throughout his run, he had attained ten points entering the fourth over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

But two of those unusual games below ten points through three quarters took place in the last week: He recorded nine going into the fourth against Dallas last week, then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it finished – but he still rejoiced regardless.

“I always just make the correct play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. “You make the right play, the basketball gods consistently rewarding me.”