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LeBron James was aware his incredible run of reaching double digits was at risk. When it mattered most, however, it didn't concern him.

The right decision involved passing the rock – so he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record finished.

James's astounding streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten concluded on Thursday night, when the league's career points king had only a mere eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the decisive pass, finding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot to win the game.

“Zero,” James stated in response on the record concluding. “We won.”

A Selfless Choice Seals the Game

James could have attempted to win the contest – and preserved his record – with the last shot, yet he opted to dish the ball to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James celebrated immediately.

It's about playing basketball the right way. You always make the smart play,” James explained. That has always been my M.O.. It's how I learned the game. I've played that way for two decades.”

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

The Record's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the contest for the final time with just over five minutes left, the result along with the historic run up for grabs. His tally was a mere six points on 3-of-15 shooting then.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to tie the game but then missed a shot at one minute to go that would have gotten him to double digits.

He passed up one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves gave James the ball as time wound down, however, James opted to make the pass instead.

The basketball deities, if you approach it the proper way, they will bless you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at a Staggering Run

James's streak started over eighteen years ago. It was easily the most extended double-digit streak in professional basketball: Michael Jordan had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list at 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but given the player he is and just who he is as an individual, he chose the pass, passed it to Rui and claimed the victory.”

Reaching double digits had long been a formality well before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had achieved ten points entering the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

But two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters had happened in the last week: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, followed by six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

James managed to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it concluded – and he celebrated regardless.

I only ever make the best play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the sports deities consistently rewarding me.”