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LeBron James was aware his monumental streak of reaching double digits was threatened. In that crucial moment, though, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision was to pass the rock – and he executed. Following that play, the legendary streak finished.

LeBron's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances concluded on Thursday night, when basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight total points during the Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He provided the decisive pass, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot as time expired.

“None,” James stated after being questioned about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Selfless Play Secures the Game

He might have sought to clinch the game – and extended his record – on the final possession, yet he opted to pass to Rui on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron celebrated with his hands in the air.

“Just playing the game correctly. Always make the right play,” James remarked. That has always been my philosophy. It's how I learned to play. That's what I've done my whole career.”

James is fully cognizant of his point total he has during a game,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it just as he has countless times.”

The Run's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the contest one last time at just over five minutes left, the win and the streak on the line. He had only six points on a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to level the contest but then missed a 14-footer at one minute to go that would have pushed him into double figures.

He passed up another shot – but could have. A teammate gave James the ball in the waning seconds, but James chose to make the pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you do it the right way, they often bless you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at a Monumental Streak

This incredible run started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the longest streak of its kind in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and The Mailman recorded at 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” remarked Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the sport. He could have shot but because of the player he is and his personality off the court, he chose the pass, found Rui and secured the game.”

Getting to ten points had long been a formality early in the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had attained double figures by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

However, two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters took place just days before: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, followed by six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

James managed to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it was over – but he still rejoiced regardless.

I only ever make the best play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. When you make the unselfish play, the sports deities consistently giving back to me.”