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The Lakers star knew his monumental run of reaching double digits was in danger. In that crucial moment, however, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move meant distributing the ball – and he executed. Consequently, his remarkable run came to an end.

LeBron's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points concluded this past Thursday, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He delivered the clutch helper, finding Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“None,” James said when asked on the record concluding. “We won.”

A Selfless Decision Seals the Win

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the contest – while also extending the streak – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to pass to Hachimura on the wing. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron celebrated triumphantly.

You have to play the game the proper way. Make the correct play,” James explained. “That’s just been my M.O.. That’s how I learned the game. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

James is very conscious of his point total he has at all times,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play as he has done countless times.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the floor for the final time with under five and a half minutes to go, the result along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. He had a mere six points on 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to knot the score and missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left that would have taken him into double figures.

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves gave James the ball as time wound down, yet LeBron decided to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you do it the proper way, they tend to reward you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Streak

This incredible run started on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the greatest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run with 575.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but due to the player he is and his personality off the court, he made the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a formality well before the final period. Throughout his run, he had reached the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters took place just days before: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. One game later, it was over – yet he was celebrating all the same.

I only ever make the correct play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James said. When you make the right play, the basketball gods are always rewarding me.”