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James understood his incredible streak of putting up 10+ points was at risk. When it mattered most, however, it didn't concern him.

The smart move meant distributing the basketball – and he executed. Consequently, the legendary streak was over.

LeBron's unprecedented streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances was snapped during a recent game, when basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He delivered the clutch helper, feeding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“None,” James said in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

An Unselfish Decision Delivers the Win

He might have sought to clinch the game – and preserved the streak – in the closing seconds, but he chose to pass to his teammate on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James raised his arms immediately.

“Just playing the game correctly. Always make the smart play,” James remarked. That is my M.O.. That is the way I was taught the game. I've played that way throughout my career.”

He is acutely aware of how many points he has at all times,” said the team's head coach JJ Redick. He made the play just as he has countless times.”

The Run's End Game

He returned to the floor one last time with 5:23 remaining, the win along with the historic run up for grabs. He had a mere six points from a 3-for-15 performance then.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a shot with one minute to go which could have pushed him to double digits.

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – but could have. Austin Reaves found him in the waning seconds, however, James opted to dish it off instead.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it the right way, they will repay you,” the coach concluded.

The History of a Staggering Run

The record commenced back in January 2007. It stood as the greatest such streak in professional basketball: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman recorded of 575 games.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” said Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the game of basketball. The chance was there but given the player he is and his personality as a person, he made the team play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Getting to ten points had long been an afterthought well before the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had achieved double figures by the beginning of the final quarter over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

Yet two such games below ten points through three quarters had occurred in the last week: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas last week, followed by six points going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it was over – yet he was celebrating regardless.

“I always just make the best play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James said. If you make the smart play, the sports deities consistently rewarding me.”