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The Lakers star knew his historic run of scoring in double figures was at risk. At the decisive instant, though, it didn't concern him.

The right decision involved passing the ball – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, the legendary streak came to an end.

LeBron's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten concluded this past Thursday, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, feeding Rui Hachimura for a triple at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James said when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

An Unselfish Choice Secures the Win

James could have attempted to win the game – while also extending his record – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to dish the ball to Hachimura on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James raised his arms immediately.

You have to play basketball the proper way. Always make the smart play,” James explained. That is how I operate. That’s how I was taught to play. That's what I've done for two decades.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant exactly how many points he's scored during a game,” said Lakers coach the coach. He made the play as he has done so many times.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the game for the final time with under five and a half minutes to go, the win and his personal record both hanging in the balance. His tally was six points from 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to level the contest then missed a shot with 1:01 left which could have taken him to double digits.

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

The spirits of the game, when you play it the proper way, they often repay you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Record

This incredible run began on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the greatest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

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

He simply plays hoops. He had the opportunity but due to who he is on the court and his character as an individual, he made the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and secured the victory.”

Reaching double digits was usually a guarantee long before the final period. Throughout his run, he had reached the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

However, two of those rare games below ten points through three quarters had occurred in the last week: He had nine entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, and then had six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

James managed to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it finished – yet he was celebrating anyway.

“I always just make the right play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James said. “You make the unselfish play, the basketball gods consistently rewarding me.”