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The Lakers star knew his historic run of scoring in double figures was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, it was not his focus.

The smart move involved passing the ball – and he executed. Consequently, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances concluded this past Thursday, as basketball's greatest scorer had only eight total points in the Lakers' close victory over Toronto. He delivered the clutch helper, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer as time expired.

“Zero,” James stated after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

An Unselfish Play Secures the Game

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the contest – while also extending the streak – on the final possession, but he chose to pass to Rui on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James exulted immediately.

It's about playing the game the proper way. Make the smart play,” James explained. That has always been my philosophy. It's how I was instructed the game. I’ve done that for two decades.”

“LeBron is very conscious of his point total he has at all times,” said the team's head coach the coach. He acted as he has done so many times.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the contest for the final time at 5:23 remaining, the win and his personal record both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had six points from 3-of-15 shooting then.

He scored with 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a shot with 1:01 left that might have taken him into double figures.

He avoided taking another shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate gave James the ball as time wound down, however, James chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it correctly, they tend to reward you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at a Monumental Run

James's streak commenced back in January 2007. It was, by far the most extended streak of its kind in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded of 575 games.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” remarked Lakers center a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. The chance was there but because of the player he is and just who he is as an individual, he made the team play, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Reaching double digits had long been an afterthought early in the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had achieved double figures by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times coming into the contest.

Yet two such games below ten points after three periods had occurred recently: He had 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.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive against the Suns. The very next outing, it was over – and he celebrated regardless.

My focus is to make the best play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. “You make the right play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”