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LeBron James was aware his monumental run of reaching double digits was in danger. When it mattered most, however, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the ball – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, the legendary streak came to an end.

LeBron's unprecedented run of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight total points in the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He made the game-winning assist, feeding Rui Hachimura for a triple as time expired.

“Zero,” James said when asked on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Choice Secures the Game

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the contest – and extended the streak – on the final possession, yet he opted to dish the ball to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James celebrated immediately.

It's about playing the game correctly. Make the right play,” James explained. That is how I operate. That’s how I was instructed the game. I've played that way throughout my career.”

He is acutely aware exactly how many points he has during a game,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted just as he has so many times.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

He returned to the floor one last time with 5:23 remaining, the outcome and his personal record both hanging in the balance. He had a mere six points on 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to level the contest then missed a shot at 1:01 left which could have taken him into double figures.

He passed up a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate found him with a few seconds left, yet LeBron decided to make the extra pass instead.

The basketball deities, when you play it correctly, they will bless you,” Redick added.

The History of a Monumental Streak

This incredible run began over eighteen years ago. It was, by far the longest such streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run with 575.

He is such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. He could have shot but given the player he is and his character as an individual, he chose the team play, found Rui and claimed the game.”

Reaching double digits had typically been a guarantee early in the final period. During James’s streak, he had achieved the 10-point mark entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

But two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods had happened in the last week: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it finished – and he celebrated regardless.

“I always just make the correct play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James said. If you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods consistently returning the favor.”