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LeBron James was aware his historic run of scoring in double figures was in danger. At the decisive instant, however, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play was to pass the basketball – and he executed. With that selfless act, the legendary streak came to an end.

LeBron's staggering streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances was snapped this past Thursday, when the league's career points king had only a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 victory over Toronto. He made the game-winning assist, finding teammate Rui Hachimura for a triple at the buzzer.

“None,” James stated after being questioned on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Play Secures the Win

He might have attempted to win the contest – while also extending his record – in the closing seconds, but he chose to make the extra pass to Hachimura on the wing. Rui connected, prompting James raised his arms with his hands in the air.

You have to play the game correctly. Always make the smart play,” James noted. “That’s just been my M.O.. That’s how I was taught the game. That's what I've done for two decades.”

James is very conscious of how many points he has at all times,” said the team's head coach the coach. He acted as he has done countless times.”

The Run's Final Moments

He returned to the contest one last time with 5:23 remaining, the result along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. His tally was only six points from 3-of-15 shooting then.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to tie the game then missed a shot with one minute to go which could have gotten him to double digits.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate passed him the ball as time wound down, however, James opted to dish it off instead.

The basketball deities, when you play it correctly, they tend to reward you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at a Monumental Streak

This incredible run started back in January 2007. It stood as the most extended double-digit streak in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone recorded with 575.

He is such a team-oriented player,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the sport. He had the opportunity but because of the player he is and his character as a person, he made the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and we won the victory.”

Getting to ten points had typically been an afterthought long before the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had reached the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

But two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods had happened just days before: He recorded nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

James managed to keep the streak alive against the Suns. The very next outing, it concluded – but he still rejoiced all the same.

I only ever make the correct play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James declared. When you make the right play, the game gods forever rewarding me.”