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James understood his monumental streak of reaching double digits was in danger. At the decisive instant, though, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move meant distributing the ball – so he did. Consequently, his remarkable run finished.

LeBron's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended this past Thursday, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight total points in the Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, finding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James said in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

A Selfless Play Delivers the Game

He might have attempted to win the contest – and preserved his record – on the final possession, yet he opted to make the extra pass to his teammate on the wing. Rui connected, prompting James celebrated immediately.

It's about playing basketball the proper way. You always make the smart play,” James remarked. That is my philosophy. It's how I learned the game. I've played that way for two decades.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of how many points he's scored at any point,” said Lakers coach the coach. He made the play like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Run's Final Moments

He returned to the contest for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the outcome along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had six points from 3-of-15 shooting then.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to level the contest but then missed a 14-footer with 1:01 left that might have pushed him into double figures.

He didn’t take another shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him as time wound down, yet LeBron opted to make the pass instead.

The spirits of the game, when you play it the right way, they will bless you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on a Monumental Run

James's streak started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the most extended such streak in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list at 575.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the game of basketball. He could have shot but given the player he is and his character as a person, he made the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and we won the game.”

Scoring in double figures had long been an afterthought well before the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had reached double figures entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

But two of those rare single-digit games after three periods had occurred recently: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

He succeeded in extend the streak against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – but he still rejoiced anyway.

I only ever make the right play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. “You make the unselfish play, the game gods forever giving back to me.”