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The Lakers star knew his monumental run of putting up 10+ points was at risk. When it mattered most, though, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision was to pass the ball – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record came to an end.

James's unprecedented streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten ended on Thursday night, as basketball's greatest scorer finished with a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He provided the clutch helper, setting up Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James said when asked about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Choice Seals Victory

James could have attempted to win the game – and preserved his record – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to pass to Hachimura in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, and James raised his arms triumphantly.

It's about playing basketball the right way. Always make the correct play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my M.O.. That’s how I learned the game. I’ve done that my whole career.”

James is acutely aware of his point total he has at any point,” commented Lakers coach the coach. He made the play like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Record's Final Moments

He returned to the contest for the final time at just over five minutes left, the win and his personal record on the line. His tally was a mere six points on a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to tie the game and missed a 14-footer with one minute to go which could have taken him to double digits.

He avoided taking one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. A teammate found him with a few seconds left, but James opted to make the pass instead.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it the right way, they often bless you,” Redick stated.

The History of an Unparalleled Streak

James's streak commenced back in January 2007. It stood as the longest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and Karl Malone recorded with 575.

He is such an unselfish player,” noted Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the sport. He could have shot but due to the player he is and just who he is off the court, he made the team play, passed it to Rui and secured the game.”

Reaching double digits had long been a guarantee long before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had attained ten points by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times coming into the contest.

But two such single-digit games after three periods had happened just days before: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, followed by six points going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it concluded – but he still rejoiced anyway.

“I always just make the right play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James said. When you make the unselfish play, the game gods consistently returning the favor.”