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James understood his incredible streak of reaching double digits was threatened. In that crucial moment, though, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play was to pass the rock – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points concluded this past Thursday, when the league's career points king had only eight total points in the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He delivered the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer to win the game.

“Zero,” James replied when asked about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Decision Secures the Win

James could have sought to clinch the contest – and preserved the streak – on the final possession, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to Hachimura in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron exulted with his hands in the air.

You have to play the game the right way. You always make the correct play,” James remarked. That is how I operate. It's how I was instructed the game. That's what I've done my whole career.”

James is very conscious exactly how many points he's scored during a game,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted as he has done so many times.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the floor for the final time at just over five minutes left, the win and the streak on the line. His tally was only six points from a 3-for-15 performance then.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to knot the score then missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left which could have pushed him to double digits.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – but could have. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, however, James decided to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

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

The History of an Unparalleled Run

The record started back in January 2007. It was easily the longest streak of its kind the league has ever seen: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” noted Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the sport. He had the opportunity but given the player he is and just who he is as an individual, he made the team play, passed it to Rui and we won the game.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a formality well before the final period. During James’s streak, he had reached ten points by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

Yet two such single-digit games through three quarters took place recently: He recorded nine points going into the fourth against Dallas last week, then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – yet he was celebrating regardless.

“I always just make the correct play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the basketball gods forever rewarding me.”