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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 didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play involved passing the basketball – so he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record came to an end.

LeBron's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points was snapped during a recent game, when basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He delivered the clutch helper, finding Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James replied when asked about the streak ending. “We won.”

An Unselfish Choice Delivers the Win

James could have tried to secure the contest – and extended his record – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Hachimura on the wing. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron celebrated immediately.

“Just playing basketball correctly. Make the smart play,” James remarked. That is how I operate. That is the way I was taught the game. I’ve done that for two decades.”

“LeBron is acutely aware exactly how many points he has during a game,” said Lakers coach the coach. He acted just as he has countless times.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the contest for the final time at under five and a half minutes to go, the win and the streak both hanging in the balance. He had only six points from 3-of-15 shooting then.

He scored at 1:46 left to level the contest but then missed a mid-range jumper at one minute to go that would have pushed him to ten points.

He didn’t take another shot – but could have. A teammate gave James the ball in the waning seconds, but James decided to dish it off instead.

The basketball deities, when you play it the proper way, they will reward you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on a Staggering Run

James's streak started back in January 2007. It was, by far the greatest such streak the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and Karl Malone recorded at 575.

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

He simply plays the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but due to his nature as a player and his personality off the court, he made the unselfish play, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually a formality well before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had attained double figures entering the fourth over twelve hundred times coming into the contest.

However, two such single-digit games after three periods took place just days before: He had nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. One game later, it concluded – yet he was celebrating regardless.

My focus is to make the right play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. “You make the smart play, the basketball gods forever returning the favor.”