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The Lakers star knew his monumental streak of scoring in double figures was in danger. When it mattered most, though, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play was to pass the rock – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten was snapped this past Thursday, when basketball's greatest scorer had only eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James stated in response on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Play Secures the Win

He might have attempted to win the game – while also extending his record – on the final possession, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James raised his arms immediately.

“Just playing the game the right way. Make the smart play,” James noted. “That’s just been how I operate. That’s how I learned the game. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant of how many points he's scored at all times,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Record's End Game

He returned to the game for the final time at under five and a half minutes to go, the outcome along with the historic run up for grabs. His tally was six points from a 3-for-15 performance then.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to tie the game and missed a 14-footer at one minute to go that might have pushed him into double figures.

He passed up another shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, however, James decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it the proper way, they will repay you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Run

The record began on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the longest streak of its kind the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” said teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing hoops. He could have shot but due to who he is on the court and just who he is off the court, he made the team play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points had long been a formality well before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had achieved ten points entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

However, two of those unusual games below ten points through three quarters had happened recently: He had nine going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, and then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

James managed to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it concluded – and he celebrated regardless.

“I always just make the best play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James declared. When you make the smart play, the game gods forever returning the favor.”