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James understood his incredible run of scoring in double figures was threatened. When it mattered most, however, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play was to pass the basketball – so he did. Following that play, his remarkable run came to an end.

LeBron's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances ended during a recent game, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with a mere eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James said in response on the record concluding. “We won.”

An Unselfish Play Delivers Victory

James could have tried to secure the game – while also extending the streak – with the last shot, but he chose to dish the ball to his teammate stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron raised his arms with his hands in the air.

It's about playing the game correctly. You always make the smart play,” James noted. “That’s just been my philosophy. That is the way I was taught to play. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

He is fully cognizant of his point total he has at any point,” stated the team's head coach the coach. “He did it as he has done throughout his career.”

The Run's End Game

James re-entered the game one last time at 5:23 remaining, the outcome along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. His tally was six points on a 3-for-15 performance then.

He scored with under two minutes remaining to knot the score and missed a shot at one minute to go which could have taken him into double figures.

He didn’t take another shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves passed him the ball with a few seconds left, yet LeBron decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you approach it the right way, they tend to bless you,” the coach concluded.

The History of a Monumental Run

James's streak started on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the longest streak of its kind the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

“He’s such a team-oriented player,” noted teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing hoops. He had the opportunity but given the player he is and just who he is as an individual, he chose the unselfish play, found Rui and secured the game.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a guarantee long before the final period. Throughout his run, he had attained ten points by the start of the fourth 1,266 times coming into the contest.

Yet two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters had happened in the last week: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six 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 finished – but he still rejoiced anyway.

“I always just make the right play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James said. When you make the right play, the sports deities consistently returning the favor.”