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LeBron James was aware his monumental streak of reaching double digits was in danger. When it mattered most, however, it was not his focus.

The right decision was to pass the rock – and he executed. Consequently, the legendary streak was over.

LeBron's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances ended during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He made the decisive pass, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James said when asked about the streak ending. “We won.”

An Unselfish Decision Secures the Game

He might have attempted to win the contest – and extended the streak – with the last shot, yet he opted to pass to his teammate stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, and James raised his arms immediately.

“Just playing the game the right way. Make the smart play,” James explained. That is my M.O.. That is the way I learned the game. I've played that way for two decades.”

James is very conscious exactly how many points he's scored during a game,” commented the team's head coach the coach. “He did it as he has done countless times.”

The Streak's Final Moments

James re-entered the game for the final time with just over five minutes left, the outcome and the streak both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had a mere six points on 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to knot the score but then missed a 14-footer with one minute to go that would have gotten him into double figures.

He avoided taking one more attempt – even though he had a chance. A teammate passed him the ball with a few seconds left, however, James chose to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it the proper way, they often reward you,” Redick added.

The History of a Monumental Run

James's streak began over eighteen years ago. It was easily the longest double-digit streak in professional basketball: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list of 575 games.

He is such an unselfish player,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the sport. He had the opportunity but because of the player he is and just who he is as a person, he chose the pass, found Rui and secured the game.”

Reaching double digits had typically been a formality well before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had achieved ten points by the start of the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

Yet two such single-digit games after three periods had occurred just days before: He had nine entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, followed by six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

James managed to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it finished – yet he was celebrating regardless.

“I always just make the correct play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James said. If you make the right play, the basketball gods forever returning the favor.”