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James understood his monumental streak of putting up 10+ points was threatened. At the decisive instant, however, it didn't concern him.

The right decision involved passing the rock – and he executed. Consequently, the unprecedented record was over.

James's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances was snapped on Thursday night, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple as time expired.

“None,” James replied after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Decision Secures the Game

He might have sought to clinch the contest – while also extending his record – on the final possession, instead, he decided to dish the ball to his teammate stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James exulted triumphantly.

“Just playing the game correctly. Make the correct play,” James remarked. That has always been how I operate. It's how I was instructed the game. I've played that way throughout my career.”

He is fully cognizant of his point total he's scored at all times,” said Lakers coach the coach. He made the play as he has done so many times.”

The Record's Final Moments

James re-entered the game for the final time with just over five minutes left, the outcome along with the historic run up for grabs. At that stage, he had a mere six points on 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to level the contest and missed a shot at 1:01 left which could have pushed him into double figures.

He avoided taking one more attempt – but could have. A teammate passed him the ball in the waning seconds, but James chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you do it the proper way, they will repay you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Record

This incredible run began back in January 2007. It was, by far the most extended double-digit streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run with 575.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” noted Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays hoops. He could have shot but due to who he is on the court and his character off the court, he chose the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and we won the victory.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a formality well before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had reached ten points entering the fourth over twelve hundred times coming into the contest.

Yet two such single-digit games through three quarters had happened just days before: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, followed by six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

James managed to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. One game later, it was over – but he still rejoiced anyway.

My focus is to make the correct play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. “You make the unselfish play, the basketball gods are always returning the favor.”