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LeBron James was aware his historic streak of reaching double digits was in danger. In that crucial moment, though, it was not his focus.

The right decision was to pass the rock – so he did. Following that play, his remarkable run finished.

James's unprecedented streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances was snapped on Thursday night, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with eight total points during the Lakers' close win against the Toronto Raptors. He made the decisive pass, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a triple at the buzzer.

“None,” James stated in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Choice Secures the Win

He might have tried to secure the game – and preserved his record – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to pass to Rui on the wing. Rui connected, prompting James celebrated immediately.

It's about playing the game the right way. Make the correct play,” James remarked. That has always been my philosophy. It's how I learned the game. I've played that way my whole career.”

James is acutely aware of how many points he has during a game,” stated the team's head coach JJ Redick. “He did it just as he has throughout his career.”

The Record's End Game

He returned to the floor one last time with under five and a half minutes to go, the win and his personal record up for grabs. His tally was a mere six points from 3 for 15 from the field then.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to level the contest then missed a 14-footer at one minute to go which could have gotten him into double figures.

He avoided taking one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. A teammate found him as time wound down, but James decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, when you play it correctly, they often bless you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Monumental Run

This incredible run began back in January 2007. It stood as the most extended double-digit streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” remarked Lakers center a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but given the player he is and his personality off the court, he chose the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and we won the game.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a formality well before the final period. During James’s streak, he had reached double figures by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

However, two such games below ten points after three periods had occurred in the last week: He recorded nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six points going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

James managed to preserve the record against the Suns. One game later, it was over – yet he was celebrating anyway.

I only ever make the right play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James declared. If you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods are always returning the favor.”