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LeBron James was aware his historic streak of putting up 10+ points was at risk. When it mattered most, though, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision was to pass the basketball – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak was over.

James's unprecedented streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten ended on Thursday night, as basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He made the decisive pass, finding Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot to win the game.

“Zero,” James stated when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Decision Delivers the Game

He might have tried to secure the game – and preserved the streak – on the final possession, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Rui connected, with LeBron exulted immediately.

You have to play the game the proper way. Always make the correct play,” James noted. “That’s just been my M.O.. That’s how I was instructed to play. I've played that way my whole career.”

“LeBron is very conscious of how many points he has at all times,” said Lakers coach the coach. “He did it as he has done so many times.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the contest one last time with just over five minutes left, the result and his personal record on the line. He had a mere six points on a 3-for-15 performance then.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to knot the score and missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left that might have taken him into double figures.

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – but could have. Austin Reaves passed him the ball with a few seconds left, yet LeBron decided to make the extra pass instead.

The basketball deities, if you approach it the right way, they often bless you,” Redick added.

The History of a Monumental Record

James's streak commenced back in January 2007. It was, by far the most extended streak of its kind in NBA history: Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list with 575.

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

“He’s just playing hoops. He had the opportunity but because of who he is on the court and his character off the court, he chose the pass, passed it to Rui and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually an afterthought well before the final period. During James’s streak, he had achieved ten points entering the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

However, two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods had occurred just days before: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it concluded – but he still rejoiced regardless.

I only ever make the best play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James said. When you make the right play, the basketball gods are always giving back to me.”