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James understood his monumental streak of reaching double digits was in danger. When it mattered most, however, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision meant distributing the rock – and he executed. Following that play, the unprecedented record was over.

LeBron's astounding run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances concluded on Thursday night, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to a mere eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He provided the game-winning assist, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot as time expired.

“Nothing,” James said after being questioned about the streak ending. “We won.”

An Unselfish Choice Seals the Game

James could have sought to clinch the contest – and extended the streak – on the final possession, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Rui in the left corner. Rui connected, and James celebrated with his hands in the air.

You have to play the game the right way. Make the correct play,” James explained. That has always been my philosophy. That is the way I was taught to play. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

James is acutely aware of his point total he has at any point,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it like he’s done countless times.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the game one last time with under five and a half minutes to go, the outcome and the streak up for grabs. At that stage, he had six points from 3 for 15 from the field then.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to level the contest and missed a shot with 1:01 left which could have pushed him to ten points.

He avoided taking another shot – but could have. Austin Reaves passed him the ball as time wound down, but James decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it correctly, they will bless you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on a Staggering Record

James's streak started over eighteen years ago. It stood as the longest double-digit streak in NBA history: MJ had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

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

He simply plays the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but due to his nature as a player and just who he is as a person, he executed the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and secured the game.”

Getting to ten points had long been a guarantee early in the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had reached the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times before this game.

But 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 going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it finished – and he celebrated all the same.

I only ever make the best play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. When you make the smart play, the game gods consistently giving back to me.”