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James understood his monumental streak of putting up 10+ points was in danger. When it mattered most, however, it was not his focus.

The right decision meant distributing the rock – so he did. Following that play, the legendary streak was over.

James's staggering run of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped on Thursday night, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the clutch helper, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot to win the game.

“Zero,” James stated after being questioned about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Play Seals the Win

James could have tried to secure the game – and extended his record – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to pass to Rui on the wing. Rui connected, and James raised his arms with his hands in the air.

It's about playing the game the right way. Always make the correct play,” James remarked. That is my M.O.. That is the way I learned to play. That's what I've done my whole career.”

“LeBron is very conscious of how many points he's scored at any point,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Streak's End Game

James re-entered the floor for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the win and his personal record on the line. At that stage, he had a mere six points from 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to knot the score and missed a shot with one minute to go that might have gotten him to double digits.

He passed up one more attempt – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him in the waning seconds, but James opted to dish it off instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you do it the proper way, they will reward you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at a Monumental Run

James's streak started back in January 2007. It was easily the most extended double-digit streak in professional basketball: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list at 575.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

“He’s just playing hoops. He could have shot but due to the player he is and his personality as a person, he chose the team play, dished to Hachimura and secured the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been an afterthought long before the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had attained ten points entering the fourth over twelve hundred times coming into the contest.

Yet two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters had happened just days before: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

James managed to preserve the record against the Suns. In the following contest, it was over – and he celebrated all the same.

“I always just make the right play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. If you make the unselfish play, the sports deities forever returning the favor.”