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LeBron James was aware his historic streak of reaching double digits was threatened. When it mattered most, however, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the rock – and he executed. Consequently, the unprecedented record was over.

LeBron's staggering streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances concluded during a recent game, when the league's career points king was limited to eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James stated after being questioned on the record concluding. “We won.”

A Selfless Decision Secures Victory

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the game – and extended the streak – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to pass to Rui on the wing. Rui connected, prompting James raised his arms triumphantly.

It's about playing basketball correctly. You always make the right play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my M.O.. It's how I learned to play. That's what I've done my whole career.”

James is fully cognizant of how many points he's scored at any point,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play just as he has throughout his career.”

The Run's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the game one last time with 5:23 remaining, the win along with the historic run on the line. At that stage, he had a mere six points from a 3-for-15 performance then.

He got a bucket at under two minutes remaining to tie the game but then missed a 14-footer at one minute to go that would have pushed him to double digits.

He passed up another shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate passed him the ball as time wound down, however, James chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it the right way, they will repay you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Run

This incredible run commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the most extended double-digit streak in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list with 575.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” noted teammate a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing hoops. He could have shot but because of his nature as a player and just who he is as an individual, he made the team play, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a guarantee well before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had attained the 10-point mark entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

However, two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods took place recently: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

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

“I always just make the correct play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the basketball gods forever rewarding me.”