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James understood his historic streak of reaching double digits was threatened. When it mattered most, though, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move involved passing the ball – so he did. Consequently, the legendary streak finished.

James's astounding streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season games with 10+ points was snapped during a recent game, when the league's career points king had only a mere eight points during the Lakers' close triumph versus Toronto. He made the decisive pass, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot to win the game.

“Nothing,” James stated in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Decision Secures the Game

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the game – and extended the streak – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to his teammate on the wing. Rui connected, and James exulted with his hands in the air.

It's about playing the game the right way. Make the smart play,” James noted. “That’s just been my M.O.. That is the way I was instructed the game. I've played that way for two decades.”

“LeBron is very conscious of how many points he's scored at any point,” stated the team's head coach the coach. He acted like he’s done so many times.”

The Streak's End Game

James re-entered the floor one last time at just over five minutes left, the outcome along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had only six points on 3-of-15 shooting then.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to knot the score then missed a shot with 1:01 left which could have gotten him into double figures.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball with a few seconds left, but James opted to dish it off instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, when you play it correctly, they will bless you,” the coach concluded.

The History of an Unparalleled Run

This incredible run began back in January 2007. It was, by far the most extended streak of its kind the league has ever seen: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run at 575.

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

He simply plays the game of basketball. The chance was there but given his nature as a player and his personality as a person, he executed the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and we won the game.”

Reaching double digits had typically been an afterthought well before the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had achieved the 10-point mark entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

Yet two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters had occurred just days before: He had nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks 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 finished – and he celebrated regardless.

“I always just make the best play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James said. “You make the smart play, the sports deities consistently giving back to me.”