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The Lakers star knew his historic streak of putting up 10+ points was threatened. In that crucial moment, though, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play was to pass the basketball – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, his remarkable run came to an end.

LeBron's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped this past Thursday, when the league's career points king was limited to eight total points during the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He delivered the clutch helper, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a triple as time expired.

“None,” James said when asked about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Team-First Decision Secures the Win

He might have sought to clinch the game – and preserved his record – with the last shot, yet he opted to pass to Hachimura in the left corner. Rui connected, prompting James celebrated immediately.

You have to play basketball the right way. Make the smart play,” James noted. “That’s just been my philosophy. It's how I was taught the game. I’ve done that for two decades.”

James is acutely aware of his point total he's scored during a game,” said the team's head coach the coach. He made the play as he has done throughout his career.”

The Streak's Final Moments

James re-entered the floor one last time at 5:23 remaining, the result and the streak both hanging in the balance. His tally was only six points from a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

He scored at 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left which could have taken him into double figures.

He passed up another shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him as time wound down, however, James decided to make the pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you do it the proper way, they often reward you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Record

James's streak began on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the greatest double-digit streak in NBA history: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run at 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. The chance was there but given who he is on the court and his personality off the court, he executed the pass, passed it to Rui and claimed the game.”

Reaching double digits was usually a formality long before the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had achieved the 10-point mark entering the fourth 1,266 times coming into the contest.

However, two of those rare games below ten points after three periods had occurred just days before: He had nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it concluded – but he still rejoiced regardless.

I only ever make the best play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James declared. If you make the smart play, the game gods consistently rewarding me.”