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LeBron James was aware his incredible run of putting up 10+ points was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move was to pass the ball – so he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run finished.

LeBron's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points was snapped this past Thursday, when the league's career points king finished with a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus Toronto. He provided the decisive pass, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“None,” James said in response on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Play Secures the Game

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the game – while also extending the streak – with the last shot, but he chose to dish the ball to Hachimura on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, and James exulted triumphantly.

It's about playing the game the proper way. Always make the correct play,” James explained. That has always been my philosophy. It's how I was taught to play. I’ve done that for two decades.”

James is very conscious of his point total he has at all times,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it just as he has throughout his career.”

The Streak's End Game

LeBron checked back into the game one last time at under five and a half minutes to go, the result and the streak both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had only six points on 3 for 15 from the field then.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to level the contest then missed a shot with one minute to go that might have taken him to ten points.

He passed up another shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves found him in the waning seconds, but James chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you do it the proper way, they tend to bless you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on a Staggering Streak

James's streak started over eighteen years ago. It was easily the most extended such streak in NBA history: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded of 575 games.

He is such a team-oriented player,” noted teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing hoops. He had the opportunity but given his nature as a player and his character off the court, he made the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and claimed the game.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a guarantee long before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had reached double figures entering the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

However, two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters had occurred just days before: 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.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it was over – yet he was celebrating regardless.

“I always just make the right play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James declared. When you make the unselfish play, the game gods consistently giving back to me.”