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LeBron James was aware his monumental streak of putting up 10+ points was threatened. In that crucial moment, though, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move involved passing the rock – and he executed. With that selfless act, the legendary streak was over.

James's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten was snapped on Thursday night, when basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight total points during the Lakers' close win against Toronto. He delivered the decisive pass, setting up Rui Hachimura for a triple to win the game.

“Zero,” James replied after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Play Secures the Win

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the contest – and preserved his record – with the last shot, yet he opted to dish the ball to Rui in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron raised his arms immediately.

It's about playing basketball the proper way. You always make the right play,” James noted. That is my philosophy. That’s how I learned the game. That's what I've done for two decades.”

“LeBron is very conscious of his point total he has at all times,” commented the team's head coach the coach. “He did it as he has done so many times.”

The Record's End Game

LeBron checked back into the contest one last time with 5:23 remaining, the result along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. His tally was only six points on a 3-for-15 performance then.

He got a bucket with 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a shot with 1:01 left that would have pushed him to double digits.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – but could have. Austin Reaves found him as time wound down, yet LeBron opted to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you do it the proper way, they often bless you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on a Staggering Streak

This incredible run commenced back in January 2007. It was easily the longest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: MJ had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list with 575.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” noted teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing hoops. He had the opportunity but due to the player he is and just who he is as an individual, he chose the unselfish play, found Rui and claimed the game.”

Reaching double digits was usually an afterthought early in the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had reached the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

Yet two of those rare single-digit games after three periods had occurred recently: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, then had six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it was over – but he still rejoiced regardless.

My focus is to make the best play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the sports deities forever returning the favor.”