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James understood his historic run of scoring in double figures was at risk. At the decisive instant, however, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play involved passing the ball – so he did. Consequently, the legendary streak was over.

LeBron's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points was snapped on Thursday night, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He provided the decisive pass, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a triple as time expired.

“None,” James replied in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Play Delivers the Game

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the contest – while also extending the streak – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to dish the ball to Hachimura in the left corner. Rui connected, with LeBron exulted with his hands in the air.

It's about playing the game the proper way. Always make the smart play,” James explained. That is my M.O.. It's how I learned the game. That's what I've done my whole career.”

He is very conscious of his point total he has at all times,” commented the team's head coach the coach. “He did it as he has done throughout his career.”

The Run's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the contest one last time at under five and a half minutes to go, the result along with the historic run up for grabs. His tally was only six points on a 3-for-15 performance then.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a 14-footer at one minute to go that would have gotten him to double digits.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate gave James the ball as time wound down, but James opted to dish it off instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you do it the proper way, they will bless you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at a Staggering Record

James's streak started over eighteen years ago. It stood as the greatest streak of its kind in professional basketball: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list at 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” noted teammate Jake LaRavia.

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. The chance was there but because of his nature as a player and just who he is as an individual, he executed the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points had long been a formality well before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had attained the 10-point mark entering the fourth 1,266 times coming into the contest.

However, two such games below ten points after three periods took place just days before: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, followed by six going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

He succeeded in extend the streak against the Suns. The very next outing, it was over – and he celebrated all the same.

I only ever make the right play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James affirmed. “You make the unselfish play, the basketball gods are always returning the favor.”