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The Lakers star knew his incredible run of putting up 10+ points was in danger. In that crucial moment, though, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision was to pass the ball – and he executed. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's unprecedented run of over 1,200 straight regular-season games with 10+ points was snapped on Thursday night, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 victory over Toronto. He delivered the decisive pass, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer as time expired.

“None,” James said when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Choice Seals the Win

James could have attempted to win the game – while also extending his record – with the last shot, but he chose to make the extra pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Rui connected, with LeBron exulted immediately.

It's about playing basketball correctly. Make the smart play,” James noted. That has always been my philosophy. That’s how I was taught the game. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of his point total he's scored at all times,” stated the team's head coach the coach. He made the play just as he has so many times.”

The Streak's End Game

He returned to the game for the final time at just over five minutes left, the win and the streak on the line. At that stage, he had only six points on 3 for 15 from the field then.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to level the contest then missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left that might have taken him to ten points.

He passed up another shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him with a few seconds left, however, James decided to dish it off instead.

The spirits of the game, when you play it the right way, they tend to bless you,” Redick added.

The History of an Unparalleled Run

This incredible run started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the most extended double-digit streak in professional basketball: 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 had the fourth-longest run with 575.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” noted Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays hoops. He had the opportunity but due to the player he is and his character off the court, he executed the team play, passed it to Rui and claimed the game.”

Reaching double digits had typically been a formality well before the final period. Throughout his run, he had attained double figures by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

However, two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods had occurred just days before: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas last week, followed by six going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

He succeeded in preserve the record against the Suns. One game later, it finished – yet he was celebrating regardless.

“I always just make the best play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. “You make the smart play, the sports deities forever returning the favor.”