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LeBron James was aware his incredible streak of putting up 10+ points was threatened. When it mattered most, however, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play was to pass the rock – and he executed. With that selfless act, the legendary streak was over.

LeBron's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances ended this past Thursday, when basketball's greatest scorer had only eight points during the Lakers' close triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the clutch helper, setting up Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer as time expired.

“None,” James replied after being questioned about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Selfless Choice Seals the Game

He might have attempted to win the contest – and preserved his record – with the last shot, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, and James exulted immediately.

“Just playing the game the proper way. Always make the smart play,” James noted. That is how I operate. That is the way I was taught to play. That's what I've done my whole career.”

“LeBron is very conscious exactly how many points he's scored at all times,” commented Lakers coach the coach. He made the play as he has done countless times.”

The Streak's End Game

James re-entered the game for the final time at under five and a half minutes to go, the outcome and his personal record up for grabs. His tally was a mere six points on 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He scored with under two minutes remaining to tie the game and missed a shot with one minute to go that would have pushed 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 deities, when you play it the proper way, they will bless you,” Redick stated.

The History of a Staggering Run

The record commenced back in January 2007. It was easily the most extended double-digit streak in professional basketball: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list at 575.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” noted Lakers center a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. He could have shot but given his nature as a player and his character as an individual, he chose the team play, passed it to Rui and claimed the game.”

Reaching double digits had typically been a formality well before the final period. During James’s streak, he had attained ten points entering the fourth over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

However, two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters took place just days before: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, followed by six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to extend the streak against the Suns. One game later, it was over – but he still rejoiced anyway.

My focus is to make the right play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James said. If you make the right play, the basketball gods forever giving back to me.”