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James understood his incredible streak of reaching double digits was at risk. At the decisive instant, though, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the rock – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, his remarkable run was over.

LeBron's staggering streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances concluded during a recent game, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight total points during the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, finding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer as time expired.

“Zero,” James replied after being questioned about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Play Delivers the Game

He might have tried to secure the contest – while also extending the streak – with the last shot, but he chose to pass to Rui on the wing. Hachimura sank it, and James exulted triumphantly.

“Just playing the game the proper way. Make the correct play,” James remarked. That has always been my philosophy. It's how I was taught to play. That's what I've done for two decades.”

James is very conscious of his point total he has at all times,” said the team's head coach JJ Redick. “He did it like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Record's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the contest one last time with 5:23 remaining, the outcome and the streak up for grabs. At that stage, he had a mere six points from 3 for 15 from the field then.

He scored at 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a shot with 1:01 left which could have gotten him to ten points.

He passed up another shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves gave James the ball in the waning seconds, however, James chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it correctly, they often bless you,” Redick added.

The History of a Staggering Run

James's streak started over eighteen years ago. It stood as the longest such streak in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” said teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the sport. He could have shot but given his nature as a player and just who he is off the court, he chose the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the victory.”

Reaching double digits had long been a guarantee long before the final period. During James’s streak, he had reached double figures entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

But two such games below ten points through three quarters had occurred in the last week: He recorded nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, followed by six going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

James managed to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it finished – and he celebrated anyway.

My focus is to make the best play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James said. When you make the right play, the game gods are always rewarding me.”