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The Lakers star knew his incredible streak of reaching double digits was threatened. In that crucial moment, though, it didn't concern him.

The right decision was to pass the rock – and he executed. With that selfless act, the legendary streak was over.

James's astounding run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances concluded on Thursday night, as basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He delivered the decisive pass, feeding Rui Hachimura for a triple to win the game.

“Nothing,” James stated after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Play Secures the Win

James could have sought to clinch the game – and extended his record – with the last shot, yet he opted to pass to his teammate in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James raised his arms immediately.

You have to play basketball the right way. Always make the right play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my philosophy. It's how I learned the game. I’ve done that for two decades.”

“LeBron is very conscious exactly how many points he has during a game,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play as he has done so many times.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the contest one last time with 5:23 remaining, the result along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had only six points on 3 for 15 from the field then.

He got a bucket with 1:46 left to knot the score then missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left which could have gotten him into double figures.

He passed up one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves found him with a few seconds left, but James opted to dish it off instead.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it correctly, they will bless you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on a Monumental Streak

The record started back in January 2007. It was, by far the most extended such streak in professional basketball: MJ had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and The Mailman recorded at 575.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the sport. The chance was there but given who he is on the court and just who he is as a person, he chose the unselfish play, found Rui and secured the game.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a guarantee well before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had achieved ten points by the start of the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

Yet two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters had happened just days before: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. One game later, it was over – and he celebrated regardless.

My focus is to make the correct play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James said. If you make the smart play, the sports deities forever returning the favor.”