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The Lakers star knew his monumental streak of reaching double digits was at risk. At the decisive instant, though, it didn't concern him.

The smart move was to pass the rock – and he executed. With that selfless act, the legendary streak came to an end.

James's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points ended this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James stated when asked on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Decision Seals the Game

He might have tried to secure the contest – while also extending his record – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to pass to his teammate on the wing. Rui connected, prompting James celebrated immediately.

It's about playing basketball the right way. Always make the smart play,” James remarked. That has always been how I operate. It's how I was taught the game. I've played that way throughout my career.”

He is acutely aware of his point total he has at all times,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted just as he has countless times.”

The Run's Final Moments

James re-entered the floor for the final time at just over five minutes left, the result and his personal record both hanging in the balance. His tally was a mere six points on a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He scored at 1:46 left to tie the game and missed a shot at 1:01 left that would have gotten him to double digits.

He avoided taking one more attempt – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him with a few seconds left, yet LeBron chose to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, when you play it correctly, they often bless you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at a Staggering Run

The record began back in January 2007. It stood as the most extended double-digit streak in professional basketball: Michael Jordan had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and The Mailman recorded with 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” said teammate a fellow Laker.

He simply plays hoops. He could have shot but because of the player he is and his personality as a person, he chose the team play, passed it to Rui and secured the game.”

Reaching double digits had typically been a guarantee long before the final period. Throughout his run, he had attained double figures by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

However, two such games below ten points after three periods took place in the last week: He recorded nine going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, followed by six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in extend the streak against the Suns. The very next outing, it was over – yet he was celebrating regardless.

My focus is to make the best play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James said. If you make the unselfish play, the game gods are always rewarding me.”