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LeBron James was aware his historic streak of scoring in double figures was in danger. In that crucial moment, however, it didn't concern him.

The right decision was to pass the basketball – and he executed. With that selfless act, his remarkable run was over.

James's astounding streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season games with 10+ points ended this past Thursday, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with a mere eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He delivered the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot to win the game.

“Nothing,” James said in response on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Choice Seals the Game

James could have tried to secure the contest – and extended the streak – in the closing seconds, but he chose to dish the ball to Hachimura in the left corner. Rui connected, and James exulted with his hands in the air.

“Just playing basketball the proper way. Make the correct play,” James noted. That is my philosophy. It's how I was taught to play. I've played that way my whole career.”

“LeBron is very conscious of his point total he has during a game,” stated the team's head coach JJ Redick. He acted like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Streak's End Game

James re-entered the game for the final time at 5:23 remaining, the outcome and his personal record both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had a mere six points on 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He got a bucket at 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a mid-range jumper with one minute to go that would have pushed him into double figures.

He avoided taking another shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate gave James the ball with a few seconds left, yet LeBron opted to dish it off instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you do it the proper way, they tend to reward you,” Redick added.

The History of a Monumental Run

This incredible run started over eighteen years ago. It was easily the greatest such streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded with 575.

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

He simply plays the game of basketball. The chance was there but because of the player he is and his character off the court, he made the pass, found Rui and secured the game.”

Getting to ten points was usually a guarantee early in the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had achieved ten points entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

Yet two of those rare games below ten points through three quarters had happened just days before: He had nine entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, followed by six points going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak against the Suns. In the following contest, it finished – but he still rejoiced all the same.

“I always just make the best play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James said. When you make the unselfish play, the game gods are always giving back to me.”