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The Lakers star knew his monumental streak of scoring in double figures was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the basketball – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run was over.

LeBron's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten ended on Thursday night, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the clutch helper, setting up Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot to win the game.

“Nothing,” James replied in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

A Team-First Play Delivers the Win

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the game – and extended the streak – on the final possession, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to his teammate in the left corner. Rui connected, and James raised his arms immediately.

“Just playing basketball the right way. Always make the right play,” James explained. That has always been how I operate. It's how I was instructed the game. I've played that way throughout my career.”

“LeBron is very conscious of how many points he has during a game,” stated Lakers coach the coach. He acted just as he has so many times.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

He returned to the floor for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the result and his personal record both hanging in the balance. He had a mere six points on a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

He scored at 1:46 left to knot the score then missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left that would have taken him into double figures.

He avoided taking one more attempt – but could have. Austin Reaves passed him the ball as time wound down, yet LeBron opted to make the pass instead.

“The basketball gods, if you do it the right way, they often bless you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on a Monumental Streak

James's streak started over eighteen years ago. It was easily the longest streak of its kind the league has ever seen: MJ had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list with 575.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. The chance was there but because of the player he is and his personality off the court, he made the pass, passed it to Rui and we won the game.”

Scoring in double figures had long been an afterthought well before the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had attained the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

However, two such single-digit games through three quarters had happened in the last week: He had nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, and then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

James managed to extend the streak against the Suns. One game later, it was over – yet he was celebrating regardless.

I only ever make the best play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James declared. “You make the right play, the basketball gods consistently rewarding me.”