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James understood his historic streak of scoring in double figures was threatened. When it mattered most, though, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision involved passing the basketball – and he executed. Following that play, the legendary streak came to an end.

LeBron's astounding streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped on Thursday night, when basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He made the decisive pass, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot as time expired.

“None,” James replied after being questioned about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Decision Seals the Win

James could have sought to clinch the game – and extended the streak – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Hachimura in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron celebrated immediately.

It's about playing the game the right way. Always make the smart play,” James explained. That has always been my philosophy. That is the way I was instructed the game. I’ve done that my whole career.”

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

The Record's End Game

LeBron checked back into the contest for the final time at just over five minutes left, the win and the streak up for grabs. At that stage, he had a mere six points on a 3-for-15 performance then.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to tie the game and missed a 14-footer with one minute to go which could have taken him to ten points.

He didn’t take one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves found him with a few seconds left, however, James chose to dish it off instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, when you play it the right way, they often bless you,” Redick added.

The History of a Staggering Run

The record started back in January 2007. It was easily the greatest streak of its kind in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run with 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” remarked Lakers center a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing hoops. The chance was there but given the player he is and his personality off the court, he executed the pass, found Rui and claimed the game.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a guarantee long before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had attained ten points by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

But two such games below ten points after three periods took place in the last week: He had nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive against the Suns. In the following contest, it was over – and he celebrated anyway.

“I always just make the correct play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James said. When you make the right play, the game gods are always rewarding me.”