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LeBron James was aware his incredible run of scoring in double figures was in danger. At the decisive instant, however, it was not his focus.

The right decision involved passing the rock – and he executed. Consequently, his remarkable run came to an end.

LeBron's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances concluded on Thursday night, when basketball's greatest scorer finished with a mere eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He made the decisive pass, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura for a triple to win the game.

“Nothing,” James stated when asked on the record concluding. “We won.”

A Selfless Choice Secures the Win

He might have attempted to win the game – and extended the streak – on the final possession, instead, he decided to pass to Hachimura in the left corner. Rui connected, prompting James raised his arms triumphantly.

It's about playing basketball the right way. You always make the right play,” James noted. That has always been my M.O.. That is the way I learned to play. I've played that way throughout my career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware exactly how many points he's scored at all times,” said Lakers coach the coach. “He did it just as he has throughout his career.”

The Record's End Game

He returned to the game for the final time with just over five minutes left, the win along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to level the contest but then missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left that might have gotten him to double digits.

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate gave James the ball as time wound down, yet LeBron chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you do it the right way, they often repay you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at a Monumental Streak

The record began back in January 2007. It was, by far the longest such streak in NBA history: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run with 575.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” said teammate Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the game of basketball. The chance was there but given his nature as a player and his personality off the court, he chose the pass, passed it to Rui and claimed the game.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a formality early in the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had achieved ten points by the start of the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

Yet two of those rare single-digit games after three periods had happened just days before: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas last week, followed by six points going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it finished – but he still rejoiced anyway.

My focus is to make the correct play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. “You make the unselfish play, the basketball gods consistently giving back to me.”