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LeBron James was aware his historic streak of reaching double digits was at risk. At the decisive instant, however, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move involved passing the basketball – and he executed. With that selfless act, the legendary streak came to an end.

James's staggering streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season games with 10+ points ended this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 victory over Toronto. He delivered the game-winning assist, finding Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot as time expired.

“None,” James said after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Choice Secures the Game

He might have tried to secure the game – and extended the streak – on the final possession, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Hachimura on the wing. Hachimura sank it, prompting James celebrated with his hands in the air.

You have to play the game the right way. You always make the smart play,” James remarked. That has always been my M.O.. It's how I was taught the game. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

James is very conscious of his point total he's scored during a game,” said Lakers coach the coach. He made the play like he’s done countless times.”

The Record's Final Moments

He returned to the game for the final time with just over five minutes left, the win and his personal record both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had a mere six points from 3 for 15 from the field then.

He scored at 1:46 left to tie the game and missed a 14-footer at one minute to go which could have taken him to ten points.

He passed up another shot – but could have. A teammate passed him the ball in the waning seconds, yet LeBron chose to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you do it the proper way, they will bless you,” the coach concluded.

The History of an Unparalleled Run

This incredible run started back in January 2007. It stood as the greatest double-digit streak in professional basketball: MJ had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” said Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the sport. He had the opportunity but because of the player he is and his personality as a person, he executed the team play, found Rui and secured the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually a guarantee well before the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had attained ten points entering the fourth 1,266 times coming into the contest.

However, two of those rare games below ten points through three quarters took place in the last week: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, and then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

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

I only ever make the right play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. “You make the right play, the sports deities consistently returning the favor.”