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LeBron James was aware his historic run of putting up 10+ points was threatened. In that crucial moment, however, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision meant distributing the rock – and he executed. Following that play, his remarkable run finished.

LeBron's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances was snapped during a recent game, as the league's career points king finished with eight total points during the Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He provided the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer to win the game.

“None,” James said in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Choice Seals Victory

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the game – while also extending the streak – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to Hachimura on the wing. Rui connected, prompting James celebrated triumphantly.

You have to play basketball correctly. You always make the correct play,” James remarked. That has always been how I operate. It's how I was instructed the game. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

James is very conscious of his point total he has at any point,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted as he has done so many times.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the game one last time at just over five minutes left, the win and the streak up for grabs. At that stage, he had a mere six points on a 3-for-15 performance then.

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

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves found him as time wound down, yet LeBron opted to dish it off instead.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it the proper way, they tend to bless you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Monumental Run

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

He is such a team-oriented player,” noted teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing hoops. The chance was there but given the player he is and just who he is as a person, he chose the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and claimed the game.”

Reaching double digits was usually a guarantee early in the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had attained ten points by the start of the fourth 1,266 times coming into the contest.

However, two such single-digit games through three quarters had occurred just days before: He had nine going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

James managed to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. One game later, it was over – and he celebrated regardless.

“I always just make the right play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James declared. When you make the smart play, the game gods forever giving back to me.”