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James understood his incredible streak of reaching double digits was in danger. In that crucial moment, though, it didn't concern him.

The right decision was to pass the ball – so he did. Following that play, his remarkable run finished.

LeBron's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points ended this past Thursday, when basketball's greatest scorer had only eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He delivered the clutch helper, finding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James stated in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Decision Secures the Game

James could have sought to clinch the game – while also extending his record – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron celebrated triumphantly.

You have to play the game the right way. Make the smart play,” James explained. That has always been my M.O.. It's how I was taught to play. I’ve done that for two decades.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant of how many points he has during a game,” stated Lakers coach the coach. “He did it just as he has throughout his career.”

The Run's End Game

LeBron checked back into the contest for the final time with just over five minutes left, the result along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had only six points on 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a 14-footer at one minute to go which could have pushed him to ten points.

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate passed him the ball as time wound down, however, James chose to make the pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you do it correctly, they will repay you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on a Monumental Streak

This incredible run commenced over eighteen years ago. It was easily the greatest such streak in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list at 575.

He is such an unselfish player,” remarked Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing hoops. The chance was there but due to who he is on the court and his character as an individual, he chose the team play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the victory.”

Reaching double digits had typically been a formality long before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had attained double figures 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 took place just days before: He recorded nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

He succeeded in preserve the record against the Suns. In the following contest, it finished – and he celebrated anyway.

My focus is to make the correct play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James said. If you make the right play, the game gods forever returning the favor.”