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James understood his historic streak of putting up 10+ points was in danger. At the decisive instant, however, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision was to pass the ball – and he executed. Consequently, the unprecedented record was over.

James's astounding run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances ended on Thursday night, when basketball's greatest scorer finished with a mere eight points during the Lakers' close triumph versus Toronto. He provided the decisive pass, finding Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple at the buzzer.

“None,” James stated after being questioned about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers Victory

He might have attempted to win the contest – and preserved the streak – in the closing seconds, but he chose to dish the ball to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Rui connected, prompting James raised his arms immediately.

It's about playing the game correctly. Make the correct play,” James noted. That has always been my philosophy. That is the way I was instructed to play. I’ve done that for two decades.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of his point total he has at all times,” commented the team's head coach the coach. He acted as he has done throughout his career.”

The Record's Final Moments

He returned to the game for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the result and his personal record on the line. His tally was six points on 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to tie the game but then missed a shot at one minute to go which could have taken him into double figures.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him with a few seconds left, but James decided to make the extra pass instead.

The basketball deities, if you approach it the right way, they often bless you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at a Staggering Record

The record commenced back in January 2007. It was, by far the longest such streak the league has ever seen: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list at 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” noted teammate Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays hoops. He had the opportunity but due to the player he is and his personality as an individual, he made the team play, passed it to Rui and claimed the game.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a formality well before the final period. During James’s streak, he had attained ten points by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

However, two of those rare games below ten points after three periods had happened recently: He had nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

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

“I always just make the correct play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James said. When you make the smart play, the basketball gods are always rewarding me.”