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James understood his incredible streak of reaching double digits was in danger. At the decisive instant, however, it was not his focus.

The right decision involved passing the ball – so he did. Following that play, his remarkable run finished.

James's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points was snapped during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only a mere eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He made the decisive pass, finding Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James stated after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Choice Seals Victory

He might have tried to secure the contest – and extended the streak – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to pass to Rui on the wing. Hachimura sank it, and James celebrated immediately.

“Just playing basketball the proper way. You always make the correct play,” James explained. That is how I operate. That’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's scored at any point,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it like he’s done countless times.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the floor one last time with just over five minutes left, the outcome along with the historic run on the line. He had only six points on 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He got a bucket with under two minutes remaining to level the contest and missed a shot with 1:01 left that might have pushed him to ten points.

He passed up another shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate found him in the waning seconds, yet LeBron opted to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you do it correctly, they will bless you,” Redick added.

The History of a Monumental Record

This incredible run started back in January 2007. It was easily the longest such streak in NBA history: Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list of 575 games.

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

He simply plays the sport. He had the opportunity but given his nature as a player and his personality as a person, he chose the team play, dished to Hachimura and we won the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a formality early in the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had reached ten points by the beginning of the final quarter over twelve hundred times coming into the contest.

Yet two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods took place in the last week: He had nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. One game later, it finished – and he celebrated regardless.

“I always just make the best play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James declared. “You make the smart play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”