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James understood his monumental streak of reaching double digits was threatened. At the decisive instant, though, it didn't concern him.

The smart move meant distributing the ball – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak came to an end.

James's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended during a recent game, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight total points during the Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He made the game-winning assist, feeding Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer to win the game.

“None,” James replied when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Decision Delivers Victory

He might have tried to secure the game – and extended the streak – with the last shot, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Rui in the left corner. Rui connected, prompting James celebrated immediately.

It's about playing basketball the proper way. You always make the right play,” James noted. “That’s just been how I operate. It's how I learned the game. That's what I've done for two decades.”

James is acutely aware of his point total he's scored at all times,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it just as he has throughout his career.”

The Streak's End Game

He returned to the game one last time at under five and a half minutes to go, the result and his personal record up for grabs. His tally was only six points on 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He scored with 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left which could have gotten him into double figures.

He passed up a subsequent shot – but could have. Austin Reaves passed him the ball as time wound down, yet LeBron chose to make the pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it the proper way, they tend to repay you,” Redick stated.

The History of a Staggering Streak

This incredible run commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the greatest double-digit streak in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded at 575.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” said teammate a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. The chance was there but given who he is on the court and his personality as a person, he executed the team play, dished to Hachimura and secured the game.”

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

Yet two such games below ten points after three periods took place recently: He recorded nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive against the Suns. The very next outing, it finished – yet he was celebrating regardless.

“I always just make the best play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James said. If you make the unselfish play, the sports deities are always giving back to me.”