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LeBron James was aware his monumental run of reaching double digits was threatened. In that crucial moment, however, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play involved passing the basketball – so he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron'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 points during the Lakers' close victory over Toronto. He provided the game-winning assist, feeding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“None,” James stated in response on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Choice Seals the Win

James could have sought to clinch the game – while also extending his record – with the last shot, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to Rui in the left corner. Rui connected, and James raised his arms with his hands in the air.

“Just playing the game the proper way. You always make the right play,” James explained. That has always been my M.O.. It's how I was taught the game. That's what I've done my whole career.”

He is acutely aware of how many points he's scored at any point,” stated Lakers coach the coach. “He did it like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Run's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the game one last time with under five and a half minutes to go, the outcome along with the historic run on the line. He had six points from 3-of-15 shooting then.

He got a bucket with under two minutes remaining to tie the game then missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left which could have taken him to ten points.

He avoided taking one more attempt – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him in the waning seconds, yet LeBron decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you do it the right way, they tend to repay you,” Redick stated.

The History of a Monumental Record

James's streak 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 Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and The Mailman was fourth on the list with 575.

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

He simply plays the sport. The chance was there but because of the player he is and his personality as a person, he chose the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Reaching double digits was usually an afterthought early in the final period. During James’s streak, he had attained double figures by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times before this game.

But two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters had happened just days before: He had nine entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – yet he was celebrating anyway.

“I always just make the correct play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James declared. If you make the smart play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”