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The Lakers star knew his incredible streak of scoring in double figures was at risk. In that crucial moment, however, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the ball – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run came to an end.

LeBron's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten ended this past Thursday, as basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura for a triple at the buzzer.

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

A Team-First Choice Secures the Game

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the game – and preserved his record – on the final possession, yet he opted to pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James raised his arms immediately.

You have to play basketball the right way. Always make the smart play,” James noted. That has always been how I operate. It's how I learned the game. I've played that way throughout my career.”

James is acutely aware exactly how many points he's scored at any point,” stated Lakers coach the coach. “He did it just as he has countless times.”

The Record's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the contest for the final time at just over five minutes left, the outcome and the streak on the line. His tally was six points from 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He got a bucket at 1:46 left to knot the score and missed a shot at one minute to go that might have taken him to double digits.

He passed up a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves gave James the ball in the waning seconds, yet LeBron chose to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it correctly, they often reward you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Monumental Record

This incredible run commenced over eighteen years ago. It was easily the greatest streak of its kind in NBA history: Michael Jordan had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run at 575.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” said teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the sport. The chance was there but given the player he is and his character as an individual, he made the pass, dished to Hachimura and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points had typically been an afterthought early in the final period. During James’s streak, he had reached double figures entering the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters took place just days before: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, followed by six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

James managed to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it was over – but he still rejoiced all the same.

My focus is to make the correct play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the sports deities forever giving back to me.”