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James understood his historic run of scoring in double figures was at risk. When it mattered most, however, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move meant distributing the basketball – and he executed. Consequently, the legendary streak was over.

LeBron's staggering streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances was snapped this past Thursday, as the league's career points king finished with a mere eight points in the Lakers' close victory over Toronto. He delivered the game-winning assist, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a triple to win the game.

“Nothing,” James said when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

A Selfless Decision Seals Victory

He might have attempted to win the contest – and extended the streak – with the last shot, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to Hachimura on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, and James raised his arms triumphantly.

It's about playing basketball correctly. You always make the correct play,” James explained. “That’s just been how I operate. That’s how I learned to play. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

He is very conscious of how many points he has at all times,” stated the team's head coach JJ Redick. He made the play like he’s done countless times.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the contest one last time with just over five minutes left, the result along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had six points from 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He scored with 1:46 left to level the contest and missed a shot at one minute to go that would have taken him to double digits.

He passed up another shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball as time wound down, however, James opted to dish it off instead of shooting.

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

A Look Back at a Staggering Record

The record began back in January 2007. It was easily the longest streak of its kind the league has ever seen: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run at 575.

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

He focuses on playing the sport. He had the opportunity but due to his nature as a player and his personality off the court, he made the pass, passed it to Rui and we won the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a guarantee early in the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had achieved double figures by the start of the fourth 1,266 times coming into the contest.

Yet two of those unusual games below ten points through three quarters took place just days before: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

James managed to extend the streak against the Suns. In the following contest, it finished – yet he was celebrating anyway.

My focus is to make the correct play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. If you make the right play, the basketball gods are always giving back to me.”