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James understood his historic streak of reaching double digits was at risk. At the decisive instant, though, it was not his focus.

The smart move involved passing the rock – and he executed. Consequently, his remarkable run came to an end.

James's astounding streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season games with 10+ points was snapped during a recent game, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to a mere eight points in the Lakers' close win against the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the game-winning assist, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a triple as time expired.

“Nothing,” James replied in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers Victory

He might have tried to secure the contest – and extended the streak – with the last shot, instead, he decided to dish the ball to his teammate on the wing. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron celebrated triumphantly.

You have to play the game the proper way. Make the correct play,” James remarked. That is my philosophy. That’s how I learned the game. I've played that way for two decades.”

James is very conscious exactly how many points he has at all times,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted as he has done throughout his career.”

The Run's End Game

He returned to the floor one last time with 5:23 remaining, the win and the streak up for grabs. He had a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to level the contest then missed a mid-range jumper with one minute to go that would have taken him to double digits.

He didn’t take one more attempt – but could have. Austin Reaves gave James the ball with a few seconds left, however, James chose to dish it off instead.

The basketball deities, if you do it the proper way, they tend to repay you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Run

James's streak began on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the longest such streak in professional basketball: Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and The Mailman recorded at 575.

He is such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. The chance was there but because of who he is on the court and just who he is as an individual, he executed the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a formality early in the final period. During James’s streak, he had reached ten points entering the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

However, two of those rare single-digit games after three periods had occurred in the last week: He had nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, and then had six going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

James managed to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. One game later, it concluded – yet he was celebrating all the same.

I only ever make the best play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James said. When you make the unselfish play, the sports deities are always returning the favor.”