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LeBron James was aware his monumental run of reaching double digits was in danger. When it mattered most, though, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision meant distributing the ball – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's astounding run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten ended on Thursday night, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to a mere eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the decisive pass, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James stated after being questioned about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Choice Secures the Win

He might have sought to clinch the contest – while also extending his record – with the last shot, but he chose to pass to Hachimura in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James celebrated with his hands in the air.

It's about playing the game the right way. Always make the smart play,” James noted. That is how I operate. That’s how I was taught to play. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

James is very conscious of how many points he has at any point,” commented Lakers coach the coach. “He did it like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Record's Final Moments

He returned to the contest for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the win and his personal record both hanging in the balance. His tally was a mere six points on a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to level the contest then missed a shot with one minute to go which could have taken him to ten points.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – but could have. A teammate gave James the ball as time wound down, however, James decided to make the pass instead of shooting.

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

The History of a Staggering Streak

The record started back in January 2007. It was, by far the longest such streak in NBA history: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list with 575.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” said teammate Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the sport. The chance was there but due to who he is on the court and just who he is off the court, he made the unselfish play, found Rui and secured the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a formality long before the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had achieved ten points entering the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

But two such games below ten points after three periods had happened in the last week: He had nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it was over – but he still rejoiced anyway.

I only ever make the best play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James declared. “You make the unselfish play, the basketball gods consistently giving back to me.”