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LeBron James was aware his monumental streak of putting up 10+ points was threatened. When it mattered most, though, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move involved passing the ball – and he executed. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record came to an end.

James's astounding run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances was snapped on Thursday night, when the league's career points king was limited to eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the decisive pass, setting up Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer as time expired.

“None,” James stated after being questioned on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Choice Seals the Game

James could have tried to secure the game – while also extending his record – on the final possession, yet he opted to dish the ball to his teammate in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James raised his arms triumphantly.

It's about playing the game the right way. Make the correct play,” James explained. That is my philosophy. That’s how I learned to play. I've played that way my whole career.”

He is acutely aware of his point total he's scored during a game,” stated the team's head coach JJ Redick. He acted just as he has countless times.”

The Record's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the game one last time with under five and a half minutes to go, the win and his personal record up for grabs. His tally was six points from a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He scored with under two minutes remaining to knot the score but then missed a mid-range jumper with one minute to go that might have gotten him into double figures.

He avoided taking one more attempt – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him with a few seconds left, yet LeBron opted to make the extra pass instead.

The basketball deities, if you approach it the right way, they will reward you,” Redick stated.

The History of a Monumental Run

James's streak commenced over eighteen years ago. It was easily the most extended double-digit streak in NBA history: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and The Mailman recorded of 575 games.

He is such a team-oriented player,” noted teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing hoops. The chance was there but because of the player he is and his character off the court, he chose the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and secured the game.”

Getting to ten points was usually a guarantee early in the final period. Throughout his run, he had reached the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

Yet two such games below ten points after three periods had occurred just days before: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, 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 – but he still rejoiced anyway.

My focus is to make the right play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James declared. If you make the unselfish play, the game gods forever rewarding me.”