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LeBron James was aware his historic streak of scoring in double figures was in danger. When it mattered most, though, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision was to pass the ball – and he executed. Consequently, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances concluded during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He made the clutch helper, setting up Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James stated when asked about the streak ending. “We won.”

An Unselfish Choice Seals Victory

He might have tried to secure the game – and preserved the streak – on the final possession, but he chose to pass to his teammate in the left corner. Rui connected, with LeBron celebrated immediately.

It's about playing the game the right way. Make the correct play,” James remarked. “That’s just been how I operate. That’s how I learned the game. I’ve done that my whole career.”

He is very conscious exactly how many points he has at all times,” commented the team's head coach the coach. He made the play like he’s done countless times.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

He returned to the floor for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the result and the streak up for grabs. His tally was a mere six points on 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He got a bucket at 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left that might have gotten him to ten points.

He passed up another shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves gave James the ball in the waning seconds, but James opted to make the extra pass instead.

“The basketball gods, if you do it the right way, they often reward you,” Redick added.

The History of an Unparalleled Record

James's streak began over eighteen years ago. It was, by far the greatest double-digit streak in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman recorded with 575.

He is such an unselfish player,” said teammate Jake LaRavia.

“He’s just playing hoops. He could have shot but given his nature as a player and his character as a person, he chose the team play, passed it to Rui and secured the victory.”

Reaching double digits was usually a formality long before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had attained ten points by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

However, two of those rare single-digit games after three periods took place in the last week: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. The very next outing, it was over – but he still rejoiced anyway.

“I always just make the correct play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the basketball gods are always returning the favor.”