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The Lakers star knew his historic run of putting up 10+ points was at risk. When it mattered most, though, it was not his focus.

The right decision was to pass the ball – and he executed. Consequently, the legendary streak finished.

LeBron's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten concluded this past Thursday, as the league's career points king was limited to eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over Toronto. He made the decisive pass, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James replied when asked about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Play Delivers Victory

He might have attempted to win the game – and preserved his record – on the final possession, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Rui on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron celebrated immediately.

“Just playing basketball the right way. You always make the correct play,” James noted. “That’s just been my M.O.. That’s how I was instructed to play. I’ve done that for two decades.”

James is acutely aware of his point total he has at all times,” commented the team's head coach the coach. He acted just as he has countless times.”

The Streak's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the contest for the final time at under five and a half minutes to go, the outcome and his personal record up for grabs. His tally was six points on 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He scored at 1:46 left to knot the score but then missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left that might have gotten him to double digits.

He avoided taking one more attempt – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, but James decided to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you do it the right way, they tend to bless you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Streak

This incredible run started back in January 2007. It was easily the most extended streak of its kind in professional basketball: Michael Jordan had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list at 575.

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

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. The chance was there but given the player he is and his personality as a person, he chose the team play, dished to Hachimura and we won the victory.”

Getting to ten points had long been a formality long before the final period. During James’s streak, he had achieved ten points by the beginning of the final quarter over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

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

He succeeded in preserve the record in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it concluded – but he still rejoiced all the same.

I only ever make the right play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. When you make the unselfish play, the sports deities forever returning the favor.”