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LeBron James was aware his monumental run of putting up 10+ points was at risk. In that crucial moment, however, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play was to pass the ball – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the legendary streak was over.

LeBron's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points was snapped on Thursday night, when basketball's greatest scorer was limited to a mere eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He delivered the decisive pass, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot to win the game.

“Zero,” James replied when asked about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Choice Delivers the Game

James could have attempted to win the game – while also extending the streak – with the last shot, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron exulted triumphantly.

You have to play the game the proper way. Always make the correct play,” James noted. “That’s just been my philosophy. That is the way I was taught the game. That's what I've done for two decades.”

He is very conscious of how many points he has at all times,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play like he’s done countless times.”

The Streak's End Game

LeBron checked back into the contest one last time at just over five minutes left, the outcome and his personal record both hanging in the balance. His tally was a mere six points from a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He got a bucket at under two minutes remaining to knot the score but then missed a shot at one minute to go that might have gotten him to ten points.

He passed up one more attempt – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him with a few seconds left, however, James opted to make the pass instead of shooting.

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

A Look Back at a Staggering Record

This incredible run commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the greatest such streak in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded with 575.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” noted Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the game of basketball. The chance was there but given his nature as a player and his character as a person, he made the team play, found Rui and secured the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually a guarantee early in the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had achieved the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

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 last week, then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

James managed to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. One game later, it concluded – yet he was celebrating all the same.

“I always just make the correct play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James said. When you make the smart play, the basketball gods forever giving back to me.”