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The Lakers star knew his monumental run of putting up 10+ points was at risk. In that crucial moment, however, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move involved passing the ball – so he did. Consequently, the legendary streak was over.

James's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances concluded this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with a mere eight points during the Lakers' close triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He provided the clutch helper, finding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer to win the game.

“None,” James stated when asked on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Choice Delivers the Game

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the contest – and preserved the streak – with the last shot, but he chose to make the extra pass to Rui on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, and James celebrated immediately.

You have to play basketball the proper way. You always make the smart play,” James remarked. “That’s just been how I operate. That’s how I was instructed the game. I’ve done that my whole career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware exactly how many points he has at all times,” commented Lakers coach the coach. He acted just as he has so many times.”

The Streak's End Game

He returned to the contest one last time at 5:23 remaining, the win and the streak up for grabs. He had six points from 3 for 15 from the field then.

He scored with 1:46 left to tie the game and missed a shot with 1:01 left which could have taken him into double figures.

He didn’t take another shot – but could have. A teammate gave James the ball with a few seconds left, however, James chose to make the pass instead.

“The basketball gods, if you do it correctly, they often repay you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at a Monumental Run

This incredible run commenced over eighteen years ago. It was, by far the longest such streak in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run with 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but given the player he is and his character off the court, he chose the pass, dished to Hachimura and we won the game.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a formality long before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had attained the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those rare single-digit games after three periods took place recently: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, followed by six going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it finished – but he still rejoiced all the same.

“I always just make the best play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the sports deities are always giving back to me.”