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The Lakers star knew his historic streak of putting up 10+ points was at risk. When it mattered most, however, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play was to pass the ball – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run was over.

James's staggering run of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten concluded during a recent game, as the league's career points king was limited to eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the decisive pass, finding Rui Hachimura for a triple as time expired.

“Nothing,” James stated in response on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Play Seals Victory

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the game – and preserved the streak – with the last shot, but he chose to dish the ball to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James celebrated with his hands in the air.

“Just playing basketball the proper way. You always make the right play,” James explained. “That’s just been my M.O.. It's how I was taught the game. I've played that way for two decades.”

“LeBron is acutely aware exactly how many points he has at all times,” stated Lakers coach the coach. He made the play just as he has so many times.”

The Record's End Game

LeBron checked back into the contest for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the result and the streak both hanging in the balance. His tally was only six points on 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He scored at 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a shot with one minute to go which could have pushed him to ten points.

He passed up a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves found him with a few seconds left, however, James decided to dish it off instead.

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

A Look Back at a Staggering Streak

The record commenced back in January 2007. It was easily the greatest such streak in professional basketball: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and The Mailman recorded with 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but given his nature as a player and his personality as an individual, he executed the pass, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Reaching double digits was usually a formality well before the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had reached double figures entering the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

But two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters had happened just days before: He had nine entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

James managed to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. One game later, it concluded – and he celebrated anyway.

I only ever make the right play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. When you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods forever returning the favor.”