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The Lakers star knew his monumental run of scoring in double figures was threatened. In that crucial moment, however, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play involved passing the rock – so he did. Consequently, his remarkable run finished.

James's staggering run of over 1,200 straight regular-season games with 10+ points ended on Thursday night, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight total points during the Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the clutch helper, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot as time expired.

“Zero,” James said in response on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Decision Delivers Victory

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the game – and extended the streak – on the final possession, yet he opted to dish the ball to Rui on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James raised his arms triumphantly.

It's about playing basketball correctly. Always make the right play,” James noted. That has always been how I operate. It's how I was instructed the game. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

“LeBron is very conscious of his point total he's scored at any point,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it just as he has so many times.”

The Run's End Game

LeBron checked back into the contest one last time with 5:23 remaining, the outcome along with the historic run up for grabs. He had a mere six points from 3 for 15 from the field then.

He got a bucket with under two minutes remaining to tie the game then missed a shot at 1:01 left that would have gotten him to double digits.

He didn’t take another shot – but could have. A teammate found him in the waning seconds, however, James opted to dish it off instead.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it the proper way, they will repay you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Record

The record commenced back in January 2007. It was easily the most extended such streak in NBA history: MJ had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run at 575.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing hoops. He had the opportunity but given the player he is and his character off the court, he made the pass, dished to Hachimura and we won the game.”

Reaching double digits was usually an afterthought long before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had reached double figures entering the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

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

He succeeded in extend the streak in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it was over – yet he was celebrating all the same.

“I always just make the best play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James declared. If you make the unselfish play, the sports deities forever returning the favor.”