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LeBron James was aware his incredible run of scoring in double figures was in danger. When it mattered most, however, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision was to pass the basketball – and he executed. Following that play, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended during a recent game, when basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight total points during the Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the clutch helper, finding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James stated in response on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers the Game

James could have attempted to win the game – while also extending the streak – on the final possession, instead, he decided to dish the ball to his teammate in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James exulted triumphantly.

You have to play basketball correctly. Make the right play,” James explained. “That’s just been my M.O.. That is the way I was instructed to play. That's what I've done for two decades.”

“LeBron is very conscious of his point total he has at any point,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play as he has done so many times.”

The Record's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the game one last time at under five and a half minutes to go, the result and the streak both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had six points from 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He got a bucket at 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a mid-range jumper at one minute to go that would have taken him to double digits.

He didn’t take one more attempt – but could have. Austin Reaves gave James the ball with a few seconds left, yet LeBron opted to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, when you play it correctly, they will repay you,” the coach concluded.

The History of an Unparalleled Streak

The record started on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the greatest streak of its kind in NBA history: MJ had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787 such games, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run with 575.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing hoops. The chance was there but because of the player he is and just who he is as an individual, he made the pass, dished to Hachimura and secured the game.”

Reaching double digits had long been a formality long before the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had achieved the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

Yet two of those rare games below ten points after three periods had occurred just days before: He recorded nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

James managed to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it was over – and he celebrated all the same.

My focus is to make the best play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. When you make the unselfish play, the game gods forever rewarding me.”