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LeBron James was aware his monumental run of putting up 10+ points was threatened. When it mattered most, though, it was not his focus.

The right decision was to pass the rock – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, his remarkable run finished.

James's unprecedented run of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped during a recent game, as the league's career points king finished with eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over Toronto. He provided the decisive pass, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot as time expired.

“Nothing,” James replied in response about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Play Delivers Victory

He might have sought to clinch the game – and preserved his record – with the last shot, but he chose to make the extra pass to his teammate in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James celebrated with his hands in the air.

It's about playing the game correctly. Make the correct play,” James explained. That has always been my M.O.. That’s how I was taught to play. That's what I've done for two decades.”

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

The Streak's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the game for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the result along with the historic run on the line. At that stage, he had only six points on 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He got a bucket with under two minutes remaining to level the contest then missed a shot at 1:01 left that would have taken him into double figures.

He passed up another shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves gave James the ball as time wound down, but James opted to dish it off instead.

The basketball deities, when you play it the proper way, they often bless you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on a Staggering Streak

This incredible run started back in January 2007. It was easily the longest streak of its kind in professional basketball: Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” remarked Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the game of basketball. The chance was there but given the player he is and his character off the court, he made the pass, passed it to Rui and we won the game.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been an afterthought long before the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had achieved ten points by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

Yet two such games below ten points through three quarters had occurred just days before: He recorded nine points going into the fourth against Dallas last week, then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

He succeeded in preserve the record against the Suns. The very next outing, it was over – but he still rejoiced all the same.

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