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James understood his monumental run of putting up 10+ points was in danger. When it mattered most, though, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play was to pass the ball – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the legendary streak was over.

James's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points was snapped on Thursday night, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He provided the clutch helper, feeding Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple to win the game.

“Zero,” James stated after being questioned about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Decision Secures the Game

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the game – and extended the streak – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Rui connected, prompting James celebrated with his hands in the air.

It's about playing the game the right way. Make the right play,” James noted. That is how I operate. That is the way I was taught to play. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of his point total he has during a game,” stated the team's head coach the coach. “He did it like he’s done so many times.”

The Streak's End Game

He returned to the game for the final time with just over five minutes left, the win and the streak on the line. He had six points on 3 for 15 from the field then.

He scored with 1:46 left to tie the game and missed a shot with 1:01 left which could have pushed him into double figures.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves gave James the ball in the waning seconds, however, James decided to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, when you play it correctly, they tend to bless you,” the coach concluded.

The History of a Staggering Streak

This incredible run began over eighteen years ago. It was easily the most extended streak of its kind in professional basketball: Michael Jordan had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the sport. The chance was there but given his nature as a player and his character as an individual, he made the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and we won the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a guarantee long before the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had achieved ten points by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

But two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters took place in the last week: He recorded nine going into the fourth against Dallas last week, then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

James managed to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it finished – and he celebrated anyway.

My focus is to make the best play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James declared. When you make the unselfish play, the game gods are always giving back to me.”