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LeBron James was aware his incredible streak of reaching double digits was threatened. In that crucial moment, however, it was not his focus.

The smart move meant distributing the ball – so he did. Consequently, the legendary streak was over.

LeBron's astounding run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances was snapped on Thursday night, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only eight total points during the Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple as time expired.

“Zero,” James stated after being questioned on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Choice Delivers the Win

James could have attempted to win the contest – while also extending the streak – on the final possession, yet he opted to dish the ball to Hachimura in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron celebrated with his hands in the air.

You have to play the game the proper way. Always make the correct play,” James explained. “That’s just been my M.O.. It's how I learned the game. I’ve done that for two decades.”

James is very conscious of his point total he has during a game,” said the team's head coach the coach. He acted as he has done countless times.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the contest for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the win and the streak up for grabs. He had six points on 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He got a bucket with 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 avoided taking a subsequent shot – but could have. A teammate passed him the ball with a few seconds left, yet LeBron opted to dish it off instead.

“The basketball gods, if you do it the proper way, they will bless you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at a Monumental Streak

This incredible run began back in January 2007. It was easily the greatest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone recorded at 575.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” noted Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. He could have shot but due to the player he is and his character as an individual, he chose the pass, dished to Hachimura and secured the victory.”

Reaching double digits was usually an afterthought early in the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had attained the 10-point mark entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

However, two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods had occurred just days before: He recorded nine going into the fourth against Dallas last week, followed by six going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. One game later, it was over – but he still rejoiced all the same.

“I always just make the right play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the basketball gods forever returning the favor.”