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LeBron James was aware his incredible run of reaching double digits was threatened. In that crucial moment, however, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the ball – and he executed. Following that play, the unprecedented record finished.

James's astounding run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances ended on Thursday night, when the league's career points king finished with eight total points in the Lakers' 123-120 victory over Toronto. He delivered the game-winning assist, feeding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot to win the game.

“Nothing,” James said in response about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers the Win

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the game – while also extending the streak – with the last shot, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James raised his arms triumphantly.

It's about playing the game correctly. You always make the right play,” James noted. “That’s just been my philosophy. That is the way I was taught the game. I've played that way for two decades.”

James is acutely aware exactly how many points he's scored during a game,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play as he has done so many times.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

He returned to the floor for the final time with just over five minutes left, the outcome along with the historic run up for grabs. At that stage, he had six points on a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He got a bucket at under two minutes remaining to tie the game then missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left that would have pushed him into double figures.

He passed up another shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate passed him the ball as time wound down, however, James opted to make the pass instead.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it the right way, they often bless you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Streak

The record began over eighteen years ago. It was easily the most extended such streak in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded of 575 games.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” noted Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the sport. He had the opportunity but given the player he is and his personality off the court, he chose the pass, dished to Hachimura and secured the game.”

Reaching double digits had typically been a guarantee well before the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had attained double figures entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

But two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters had occurred recently: He recorded nine points going into the fourth against Dallas last week, and then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it was over – but he still rejoiced anyway.

My focus is to make the best play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James said. When you make the unselfish play, the sports deities are always returning the favor.”