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James understood his historic streak of putting up 10+ points was at risk. When it mattered most, however, it was not his focus.

The smart move meant distributing the ball – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, his remarkable run was over.

James's unprecedented streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped during a recent game, when the league's career points king was limited to a mere eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, finding teammate Rui Hachimura for a triple at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James said after being questioned on the record concluding. “We won.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers the Win

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the game – and extended his record – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to dish the ball to his teammate stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James celebrated with his hands in the air.

“Just playing basketball the proper way. Always make the smart play,” James noted. That is my M.O.. That’s how I learned to play. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant of how many points he's scored during a game,” commented Lakers coach the coach. He acted just as he has throughout his career.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

He returned to the contest for the final time at just over five minutes left, the result and the streak on the line. His tally was six points on 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to knot the score then missed a shot with 1:01 left which could have pushed him to double digits.

He didn’t take another shot – but could have. Austin Reaves gave James the ball in the waning seconds, however, James opted to make the pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it the proper way, they often bless you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Record

James's streak started back in January 2007. It stood as the greatest double-digit streak in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787 such games, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” said Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

“He’s just playing hoops. He could have shot but given his nature as a player and his character as an individual, he chose the team play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a formality long before the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had attained double figures by the beginning of the final quarter over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

Yet two such games below ten points after three periods had occurred in the last week: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, followed by six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

James managed to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it was over – and he celebrated regardless.

My focus is to make the best play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James declared. If you make the unselfish play, the sports deities consistently rewarding me.”