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James understood his incredible streak of putting up 10+ points was in danger. In that crucial moment, however, it was not his focus.

The right decision was to pass the basketball – so he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run came to an end.

James's staggering run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season games with 10+ points was snapped during a recent game, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only a mere eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James replied when asked on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Decision Seals Victory

James could have attempted to win the game – and preserved the streak – with the last shot, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to his teammate stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, and James raised his arms triumphantly.

You have to play basketball correctly. Make the right play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my philosophy. That is the way I was instructed to play. I’ve done that for two decades.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of how many points he has during a game,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play as he has done countless times.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the contest one last time with under five and a half minutes to go, the win along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had only six points from 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He got a bucket with under two minutes remaining to knot the score then missed a mid-range jumper at one minute to go which could have pushed him into double figures.

He didn’t take one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. A teammate found him in the waning seconds, yet LeBron decided to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you approach it correctly, they often repay you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Streak

James's streak started back in January 2007. It was, by far the most extended streak of its kind the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and The Mailman recorded at 575.

“He’s such a team-oriented player,” noted Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays hoops. He could have shot but because of who he is on the court and his personality off the court, he executed the team play, found Rui and we won the victory.”

Reaching double digits had typically been a formality well before the final period. During James’s streak, he had attained the 10-point mark entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

But two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods took place recently: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas last week, then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

James managed to keep the streak alive against the Suns. In the following contest, it was over – but he still rejoiced all the same.

I only ever make the right play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. When you make the smart play, the game gods are always giving back to me.”