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James understood his monumental streak of putting up 10+ points was at risk. At the decisive instant, though, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play was to pass the ball – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak was over.

LeBron's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances was snapped during a recent game, as basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He made the decisive pass, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James stated when asked about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Choice Seals Victory

James could have attempted to win the contest – and preserved the streak – on the final possession, instead, he decided to pass to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, and James raised his arms with his hands in the air.

It's about playing the game the right way. You always make the smart play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my M.O.. That is the way I was taught to play. I've played that way my whole career.”

He is fully cognizant of how many points he's scored at all times,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play just as he has throughout his career.”

The Streak's Final Moments

He returned to the game for the final time with just over five minutes left, the result along with the historic run on the line. He had six points from 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to tie the game and missed a shot at 1:01 left that would have taken him into double figures.

He didn’t take one more attempt – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him with a few seconds left, but James chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it the right way, they tend to bless you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at a Monumental Record

This incredible run commenced back in January 2007. It was easily the greatest such streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone recorded at 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” said teammate Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the sport. He had the opportunity but due to the player he is and his character off the court, he chose the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and claimed the game.”

Scoring in double figures was usually an afterthought well before the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had achieved double figures by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

However, two such single-digit games through three quarters had happened recently: He recorded nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

He succeeded in extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it concluded – but he still rejoiced regardless.

“I always just make the correct play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James declared. When you make the right play, the sports deities consistently returning the favor.”