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James understood his monumental run of putting up 10+ points was in danger. At the decisive instant, however, it didn't concern him.

The right decision meant distributing the rock – so he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record was over.

James's astounding run of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended on Thursday night, when the league's career points king was limited to eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot as time expired.

“Zero,” James stated after being questioned about the streak ending. “We won.”

An Unselfish Choice Secures Victory

James could have sought to clinch the game – while also extending the streak – on the final possession, but he chose to make the extra pass to Hachimura on the wing. Rui connected, prompting James celebrated triumphantly.

You have to play basketball the proper way. You always make the smart play,” James explained. “That’s just been my M.O.. That’s how I learned the game. I've played that way my whole career.”

James is very conscious of how many points he has at all times,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Record's End Game

He returned to the contest for the final time at just over five minutes left, the win and the streak both hanging in the balance. His tally was a mere six points from a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to tie the game but then missed a shot with one minute to go that might have pushed him into double figures.

He passed up one more attempt – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves gave James the ball with a few seconds left, however, James chose to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, when you play it the right way, they tend to reward you,” Redick added.

The History of a Staggering Run

James's streak started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the greatest such streak in NBA history: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded with 575.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” noted Lakers center a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the sport. He had the opportunity but because of the player he is and just who he is off the court, he executed the team play, dished to Hachimura and we won the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been a guarantee well before the final period. During James’s streak, he had achieved double figures entering the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those rare single-digit games after three periods took place in the last week: He had nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, then had six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in preserve the record in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it concluded – yet he was celebrating regardless.

I only ever make the right play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James declared. “You make the right play, the game gods forever returning the favor.”