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The Lakers star knew his monumental run of scoring in double figures was at risk. When it mattered most, though, it didn't concern him.

The right decision involved passing the rock – and he executed. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record finished.

James's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances concluded on Thursday night, as the league's career points king was limited to a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against Toronto. He delivered the clutch helper, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer as time expired.

“None,” James said after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Play Seals Victory

James could have sought to clinch the game – and preserved the streak – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron raised his arms triumphantly.

“Just playing basketball the proper way. Make the correct play,” James explained. That is my philosophy. That is the way I was taught the game. I’ve done that for two decades.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of his point total he has at all times,” said the team's head coach the coach. “He did it just as he has countless times.”

The Run's Final Moments

James re-entered the contest one last time at 5:23 remaining, the win and his personal record on the line. He had only six points on 3 for 15 from the field then.

He got a bucket at under two minutes remaining to level the contest and missed a mid-range jumper at one minute to go that might have taken him into double figures.

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves passed him the ball with a few seconds left, however, James opted to make the extra pass instead.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it the right way, they tend to bless you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on a Staggering Run

The record began back in January 2007. It stood as the most extended double-digit streak in NBA history: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list at 575.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” noted Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but because of his nature as a player and his character as an individual, he made the pass, passed it to Rui and claimed the game.”

Getting to ten points had long been an afterthought well before the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had reached ten points by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

But two of those unusual games below ten points through three quarters had happened in the last week: He had nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, and then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – but he still rejoiced anyway.

I only ever make the correct play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James declared. If you make the unselfish play, the sports deities consistently rewarding me.”