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The Lakers star knew his monumental streak of scoring in double figures was at risk. At the decisive instant, though, it was not his focus.

The smart move meant distributing the rock – so he did. Following that play, the legendary streak came to an end.

LeBron's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points concluded this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, setting up Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James replied after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

An Unselfish Play Seals Victory

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the contest – and preserved the streak – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to pass to his teammate on the wing. Rui connected, prompting James celebrated immediately.

It's about playing the game the right way. Make the correct play,” James remarked. That has always been my M.O.. That is the way I was taught to play. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

James is fully cognizant exactly how many points he's scored at any point,” commented the team's head coach the coach. He acted just as he has so many times.”

The Run's End Game

He returned to the game for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the result along with the historic run up for grabs. At that stage, he had only six points on a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He got a bucket with 1:46 left to knot the score and missed a mid-range jumper with one minute to go that would have pushed him to ten points.

He didn’t take one more attempt – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him as time wound down, however, James chose to make the pass instead.

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

The History of a Monumental Run

James's streak began over eighteen years ago. It stood as the most extended double-digit streak in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and The Mailman recorded of 575 games.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” remarked Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

“He’s just playing the sport. He could have shot but due to who he is on the court and his personality as a person, he executed the team play, found Rui and we won the victory.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a formality well before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had reached double figures entering the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

However, two such single-digit games after three periods had happened recently: He had nine entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, followed by six going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it finished – but he still rejoiced anyway.

“I always just make the best play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James said. When you make the right play, the game gods forever returning the favor.”