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James understood his historic streak of scoring in double figures was in danger. In that crucial moment, though, it was not his focus.

The smart move involved passing the rock – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record came to an end.

James's astounding streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season games with 10+ points was snapped this past Thursday, when basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against Toronto. He made the decisive pass, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a triple as time expired.

“None,” James stated in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

A Team-First Choice Secures the Win

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the contest – while also extending the streak – on the final possession, instead, he decided to pass to his teammate on the wing. 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 noted. That has always been how I operate. That is the way I was instructed the game. I've played that way my whole career.”

He is fully cognizant exactly how many points he's scored at all times,” stated the team's head coach JJ Redick. “He did it just as he has throughout his career.”

The Run's End Game

LeBron checked back into the game for the final time at just over five minutes left, the outcome along with the historic run up for grabs. He had only six points on a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to knot the score but then missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left that would have taken him to double digits.

He passed up another shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate passed him the ball with a few seconds left, yet LeBron decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it correctly, they often repay you,” Redick added.

The History of a Staggering Record

The record began back in January 2007. It stood as the greatest double-digit streak in professional basketball: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run with 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” said Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

“He’s just playing the sport. He could have shot but due to the player he is and just who he is as an individual, he executed the pass, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a formality early in the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had achieved double figures by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

But two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters had occurred recently: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, and then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

James managed to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it concluded – but he still rejoiced anyway.

I only ever make the best play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. When you make the smart play, the basketball gods consistently rewarding me.”