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

The smart move involved passing the basketball – so he did. Consequently, his remarkable run was over.

LeBron's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten ended this past Thursday, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to a mere eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer to win the game.

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

A Team-First Choice Seals the Game

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the contest – while also extending the streak – with the last shot, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, and James exulted with his hands in the air.

It's about playing the game the proper way. Always make the smart play,” James explained. That has always been my M.O.. That is the way I was taught the game. I’ve done that for two decades.”

James is fully cognizant of his point total he's scored at all times,” stated Lakers coach the coach. He made the play just as he has throughout his career.”

The Run's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the game one last time at just over five minutes left, the outcome along with the historic run on the line. At that stage, he had only six points from 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to tie the game then missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left which could have gotten him to double digits.

He passed up one more attempt – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him in the waning seconds, however, James decided to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it the proper way, they tend to repay you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Streak

The record commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the greatest such streak the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list at 575.

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

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but due to who he is on the court and just who he is as a person, he made the team play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the victory.”

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

Yet two of those unusual games below ten points through three quarters had occurred in the last week: He recorded nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, and then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

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

I only ever make the best play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James declared. “You make the unselfish play, the sports deities consistently giving back to me.”