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LeBron James was aware his monumental run of putting up 10+ points was threatened. When it mattered most, though, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision meant distributing the ball – so he did. Following that play, his remarkable run came to an end.

James's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points was snapped this past Thursday, when the league's career points king finished with eight total points in the Lakers' close win against Toronto. He delivered the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James replied when asked about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers the Game

He might have sought to clinch the game – and extended the streak – with the last shot, yet he opted to make the extra pass to his teammate in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron celebrated with his hands in the air.

It's about playing the game the right way. Always make the smart play,” James remarked. That has always been my philosophy. That’s how I was taught the game. That's what I've done my whole career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of his point total he has at any point,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted just as he has throughout his career.”

The Streak's End Game

James re-entered the contest one last time at 5:23 remaining, the win and his personal record on the line. He had a mere six points from 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He scored with under two minutes remaining to knot the score and missed a shot at 1:01 left which could have pushed him to double digits.

He passed up a subsequent shot – but could have. A teammate found him with a few seconds left, however, James chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you do it correctly, they tend to bless you,” Redick stated.

The History of a Monumental Run

James's streak began on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the longest such streak in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and The Mailman was fourth on the list with 575.

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

He focuses on playing the sport. The chance was there but given his nature as a player and just who he is off the court, he chose the pass, passed it to Rui and claimed the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had long been an afterthought well before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had achieved double figures by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times coming into the contest.

But two such games below ten points after three periods took place in the last week: He recorded nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive against the Suns. The very next outing, it finished – and he celebrated regardless.

“I always just make the right play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. “You make the right play, the basketball gods are always rewarding me.”