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LeBron James was aware his incredible run of reaching double digits was in danger. When it mattered most, however, it was not his focus.

The right decision was to pass the rock – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak came to an end.

James's astounding run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances ended this past Thursday, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to a mere eight points in the Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot to win the game.

“Nothing,” James said when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Choice Seals the Game

He might have sought to clinch the contest – and extended the streak – on the final possession, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to Hachimura in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James exulted triumphantly.

“Just playing basketball the proper way. Always make the right play,” James explained. That has always been how I operate. It's how I was taught to play. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

“LeBron is very conscious of how many points he has at any point,” said the team's head coach the coach. He acted like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Streak's Final Moments

He returned to the contest for the final time at under five and a half minutes to go, the outcome and the streak on the line. At that stage, he had only six points from 3 for 15 from the field then.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to level the contest and missed a 14-footer with one minute to go that might have taken him into double figures.

He passed up a subsequent shot – but could have. A teammate found him in the waning seconds, but James decided to make the extra pass instead.

The basketball deities, if you do it correctly, they will repay you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at a Staggering Run

This incredible run began back in January 2007. It was easily the greatest streak of its kind in NBA history: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

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

He simply plays the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but because of who he is on the court and his personality as a person, he made the team play, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been an afterthought well before the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had attained ten points entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

Yet two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods had occurred in the last week: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to extend the streak against the Suns. The very next outing, it was over – and he celebrated all the same.

“I always just make the right play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James declared. If you make the smart play, the game gods are always giving back to me.”