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The Lakers star knew his monumental run of reaching double digits was in danger. At the decisive instant, though, it didn't concern him.

The smart move was to pass the ball – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the legendary streak was over.

James's staggering run of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended during a recent game, as basketball's greatest scorer had only a mere eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 victory over Toronto. He made the clutch helper, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot as time expired.

“Zero,” James said after being questioned on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Play Secures Victory

He might have attempted to win the game – and preserved the streak – on the final possession, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to his teammate in the left corner. Rui connected, with LeBron raised his arms with his hands in the air.

It's about playing basketball correctly. Make the right play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my philosophy. It's how I was taught the game. I've played that way for two decades.”

James is very conscious of his point total he's scored at all times,” stated Lakers coach the coach. “He did it just as he has so many times.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

He returned to the floor one last time with 5:23 remaining, the result along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. He had a mere six points from a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to knot the score but then missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left that would have gotten him into double figures.

He didn’t take another shot – but could have. Austin Reaves found him as time wound down, however, James decided to make the pass instead.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it correctly, they tend to repay you,” Redick stated.

The History of an Unparalleled Streak

This incredible run started over eighteen years ago. It was easily the longest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone recorded of 575 games.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” remarked Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the sport. He could have shot but due to his nature as a player and his character off the court, he made the pass, found Rui and secured the game.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a guarantee long before the final period. During James’s streak, he had reached ten points entering the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those rare games below ten points after three periods had occurred recently: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, and then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. One game later, it was over – but he still rejoiced regardless.

I only ever make the correct play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James said. “You make the smart play, the basketball gods consistently giving back to me.”