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LeBron James was aware his monumental streak of putting up 10+ points was threatened. In that crucial moment, however, it didn't concern him.

The right decision involved passing the basketball – so he did. Consequently, the legendary streak finished.

LeBron's astounding run of over 1,200 straight regular-season games with 10+ points ended this past Thursday, as the league's career points king finished with eight total points during the Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James said after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Play Delivers Victory

He might have sought to clinch the game – and preserved his record – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to Hachimura on the wing. Rui connected, and James raised his arms with his hands in the air.

“Just playing the game correctly. Make the smart play,” James explained. That has always been my M.O.. That is the way I was taught the game. I’ve done that for two decades.”

He is acutely aware of his point total he has at all times,” commented Lakers coach the coach. He acted like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Run's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the game for the final time at just over five minutes left, the result and his personal record on the line. He had six points on 3-of-15 shooting then.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to tie the game and missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left which could have pushed him to double digits.

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

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

A Look Back at a Staggering Streak

James's streak began on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the longest double-digit streak in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list with 575.

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

He simply plays the sport. He could have shot but given his nature as a player and just who he is as an individual, he chose the pass, found Rui and secured the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually a guarantee early in the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had achieved the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

However, two of those rare games below ten points after three periods had occurred just days before: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, and then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

James managed to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it concluded – and he celebrated regardless.

I only ever make the best play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James declared. “You make the unselfish play, the game gods forever rewarding me.”