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LeBron James was aware his monumental streak of putting up 10+ points was in danger. In that crucial moment, however, it was not his focus.

The right decision involved passing the rock – and he executed. Following that play, the legendary streak finished.

James's staggering streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances ended during a recent game, as the league's career points king had only eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against the Toronto Raptors. He provided the decisive pass, finding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot as time expired.

“Nothing,” James said when asked on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Choice Delivers the Game

James could have attempted to win the game – while also extending the streak – on the final possession, yet he opted to dish the ball to Rui on the wing. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron raised his arms with his hands in the air.

It's about playing the game correctly. You always make the correct play,” James explained. That is my philosophy. That’s how I learned the game. That's what I've done my whole career.”

“LeBron is very conscious of his point total he's scored at any point,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it just as he has throughout his career.”

The Run's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the game one last time with 5:23 remaining, the outcome along with the historic run up for grabs. His tally was six points on 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He got a bucket at 1:46 left to knot the score and missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left that might have gotten him into double figures.

He avoided taking another shot – but could have. A teammate gave James the ball in the waning seconds, however, James decided to make the pass instead.

The basketball deities, if you do it the proper way, they often reward you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on a Monumental Streak

James's streak began on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the greatest such streak in professional basketball: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list of 575 games.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” noted teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing hoops. He had the opportunity but because of the player he is and his personality as a person, he chose the pass, dished to Hachimura and we won the game.”

Reaching double digits had long been an afterthought long before the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had achieved ten points by the beginning of the final quarter over twelve hundred times before this game.

But two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters took place in the last week: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it was over – and he celebrated anyway.

“I always just make the correct play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. When you make the unselfish play, the sports deities consistently returning the favor.”