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LeBron James was aware his incredible streak of reaching double digits was threatened. In that crucial moment, though, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play involved passing the ball – so he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record was over.

James's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten concluded this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight points during the Lakers' close win against Toronto. He provided the game-winning assist, finding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer as time expired.

“None,” James stated in response about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Selfless Play Delivers Victory

He might have sought to clinch the contest – and preserved the streak – with the last shot, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to Rui in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James celebrated immediately.

You have to play basketball correctly. Make the right play,” James explained. That is how I operate. That’s how I was taught the game. That's what I've done my whole career.”

He is acutely aware exactly how many points he has during a game,” said Lakers coach the coach. He acted as he has done throughout his career.”

The Record's End Game

LeBron checked back into the game one last time with just over five minutes left, the result and his personal record both hanging in the balance. He had six points on 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He scored at 1:46 left to knot the score then missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left 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, however, James chose to make the pass instead.

The basketball deities, if you do it the right way, they tend to reward you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on a Staggering Record

This incredible run started back in January 2007. It stood as the longest such streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list at 575.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” noted teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. The chance was there but given the player he is and his character as a person, he chose the team play, passed it to Rui and secured the game.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a formality early in the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had achieved double figures by the beginning of the final quarter over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

However, two such games below ten points after three periods took place recently: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, 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 – yet he was celebrating anyway.

I only ever make the best play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James declared. “You make the smart play, the sports deities forever giving back to me.”