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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 correct basketball play was to pass the rock – so he did. Consequently, his remarkable run finished.

James's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten ended this past Thursday, when the league's career points king was limited to eight points in the Lakers' close triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, feeding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer to win the game.

“Zero,” James stated in response on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Choice Secures Victory

James could have tried to secure the contest – and preserved the streak – in the closing seconds, but he chose to dish the ball to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Rui connected, prompting James celebrated triumphantly.

It's about playing basketball correctly. Make the right play,” James explained. That has always been my M.O.. It's how I was taught to play. I've played that way my whole career.”

He is fully cognizant of his point total he's scored during a game,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted just as he has countless times.”

The Run's End Game

James re-entered the contest one last time at 5:23 remaining, the win and the streak on the line. His tally was six points on 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He got a bucket with 1:46 left to knot the score and missed a 14-footer at one minute to go which could have taken him to ten points.

He passed up another shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, but James opted to make the pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you approach it the proper way, they often repay you,” Redick stated.

The History of a Monumental Record

James's streak started over eighteen years ago. It was easily the longest streak of its kind in professional basketball: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list at 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but due to the player he is and his personality as an individual, he made the team play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Getting to ten points had long been an afterthought early in the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had reached ten points entering the fourth over twelve hundred times coming into the contest.

But two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters took place recently: He had nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in preserve the record against the Suns. One game later, it was over – yet he was celebrating regardless.

I only ever make the best play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James said. “You make the smart play, the basketball gods forever giving back to me.”