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The Lakers star knew his historic streak of reaching double digits was at risk. At the decisive instant, however, it was not his focus.

The right decision was to pass the ball – so he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run came to an end.

LeBron's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points ended this past Thursday, when the league's career points king had only eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer to win the game.

“Nothing,” James stated in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

A Team-First Play Delivers Victory

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the game – while also extending his record – with the last shot, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Hachimura on the wing. Rui connected, and James raised his arms immediately.

It's about playing basketball the right way. Always make the right play,” James noted. That has always been how I operate. That is the way I was taught the game. That's what I've done for two decades.”

He is very conscious of his point total he's scored at all times,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted as he has done so many times.”

The Streak's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the floor for the final time at under five and a half minutes to go, the result and his personal record on the line. At that stage, he had only six points on 3-of-15 shooting then.

He scored with 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a shot with one minute to go that might have gotten him to ten points.

He didn’t take one more attempt – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves gave James the ball in the waning seconds, yet LeBron decided to make the pass instead.

“The basketball gods, if you do it the right way, they often bless you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Record

James's streak started on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the most extended streak of its kind in professional basketball: MJ had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and The Mailman recorded at 575.

“He’s such a team-oriented player,” said teammate a fellow Laker.

He simply plays hoops. He had the opportunity but because of the player he is and his personality as a person, he made the pass, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Scoring in double figures was usually an afterthought well before the final period. During James’s streak, he had attained double figures entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

However, two such games below ten points through three quarters had happened just days before: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, and then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. One game later, it was over – and he celebrated anyway.

I only ever make the correct play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James declared. “You make the smart play, the game gods consistently rewarding me.”