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James understood his incredible streak of scoring in double figures was threatened. When it mattered most, though, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play involved passing the basketball – and he executed. Consequently, the unprecedented record came to an end.

LeBron's astounding streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season games with 10+ points concluded this past Thursday, as the league's career points king was limited to eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 victory over Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot as time expired.

“Nothing,” James replied in response about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers Victory

He might have attempted to win the contest – while also extending his record – on the final possession, instead, he decided to dish the ball to his teammate stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James celebrated with his hands in the air.

You have to play the game the proper way. Always make the right play,” James explained. That is how I operate. It's how I was instructed the game. I’ve done that for two decades.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant exactly how many points he's scored at any point,” commented Lakers coach the coach. He made the play as he has done countless times.”

The Streak's End Game

James re-entered the floor one last time at 5:23 remaining, the result and the streak on the line. His tally was only six points from 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to level the contest then missed a shot at 1:01 left that might have gotten him into double figures.

He avoided taking one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, yet LeBron opted to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, when you play it the right way, they will repay you,” Redick added.

The History of an Unparalleled Streak

This incredible run commenced over eighteen years ago. It stood as the most extended streak of its kind in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run with 575.

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

He focuses on playing the sport. He could have shot but due to the player he is and just who he is as a person, he executed the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and secured the victory.”

Reaching double digits had typically been a formality early in the final period. Throughout his run, he had achieved the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters had occurred in the last week: He had nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, followed by six points going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. One game later, it was over – but he still rejoiced anyway.

My focus is to make the best play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James declared. “You make the smart play, the game gods forever returning the favor.”