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LeBron James was aware his historic streak of scoring in double figures was in danger. At the decisive instant, though, it was not his focus.

The smart move meant distributing the rock – and he executed. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points concluded on Thursday night, as the league's career points king had only eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He made the decisive pass, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot as time expired.

“None,” James said when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Decision Seals the Win

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the contest – and extended his record – with the last shot, but he chose to dish the ball to Rui in the left corner. Rui connected, with LeBron celebrated with his hands in the air.

It's about playing the game the proper way. Always make the right play,” James explained. That is how I operate. It's how I was taught to play. I've played that way my whole career.”

James is acutely aware of how many points he has at all times,” said the team's head coach JJ Redick. He made the play just as he has countless times.”

The Record's Final Moments

He returned to the floor one last time with just over five minutes left, the outcome and the streak on the line. He had a mere six points from 3 for 15 from the field then.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to knot the score but then missed a shot at one minute to go which could have pushed him to double digits.

He passed up another shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves gave James the ball in the waning seconds, but James decided to make the extra pass instead.

The basketball deities, if you approach it the proper way, they will repay you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Staggering Streak

This incredible run started over eighteen years ago. It was easily the greatest streak of its kind in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and The Mailman recorded of 575 games.

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

“He’s just playing hoops. He had the opportunity but because of his nature as a player and his character as an individual, he chose the team play, found Rui and claimed the game.”

Reaching double digits had typically been an afterthought early in the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had achieved ten points by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those rare games below ten points after three periods had occurred just days before: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, and then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it was over – yet he was celebrating regardless.

I only ever make the right play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James declared. “You make the unselfish play, the sports deities consistently returning the favor.”