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LeBron James was aware his historic run of putting up 10+ points was in danger. At the decisive instant, however, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision was to pass the basketball – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, the legendary streak finished.

LeBron's astounding run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances concluded during a recent game, when basketball's greatest scorer was limited to a mere eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He made the clutch helper, feeding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot to win the game.

“Zero,” James said when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

A Selfless Play Seals the Game

James could have tried to secure the contest – and extended the streak – on the final possession, but he chose to make the extra pass to his teammate in the left corner. Rui connected, and James exulted immediately.

“Just playing basketball the right way. Always make the correct play,” James explained. “That’s just been how I operate. It's how I learned the game. I've played that way my whole career.”

James is fully cognizant of his point total he's scored at any point,” commented the team's head coach JJ Redick. He made the play as he has done countless times.”

The Streak's Final Moments

James re-entered the contest for the final time at 5:23 remaining, the win and the streak both hanging in the balance. He had only six points from a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to level the contest and missed a 14-footer with 1:01 left which could have gotten him to double digits.

He passed up one more attempt – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, yet LeBron chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you do it correctly, they often bless you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Streak

The record started back in January 2007. It was, by far the most extended streak of its kind in professional basketball: Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

He is such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing hoops. He had the opportunity but given the player he is and his personality off the court, he executed the pass, found Rui and we won the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually a formality well before the final period. Throughout his run, he had attained ten points by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times coming into the contest.

However, two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods had happened recently: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas last week, then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it was over – yet he was celebrating all the same.

I only ever make the best play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James said. If you make the smart play, the sports deities forever returning the favor.”