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LeBron James was aware his incredible streak of putting up 10+ points was in danger. When it mattered most, however, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the ball – and he executed. With that selfless act, the legendary streak finished.

James's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points was snapped this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He provided the decisive pass, setting up Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple to win the game.

“Zero,” James replied in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Play Seals the Win

James could have attempted to win the contest – while also extending his record – in the closing seconds, but he chose to pass to Hachimura on the wing. Rui connected, prompting James exulted triumphantly.

“Just playing the game correctly. You always make the correct play,” James explained. That has always been my M.O.. That’s how I learned to play. I've played that way my whole career.”

“LeBron is very conscious of how many points he's scored during a game,” stated the team's head coach JJ Redick. He made the play as he has done countless times.”

The Run's End Game

James re-entered the contest for the final time with just over five minutes left, the outcome and his personal record up for grabs. He had a mere six points from 3 for 15 from the field then.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to level the contest but then missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left which could have taken him into double figures.

He avoided taking another shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him with a few seconds left, but James chose to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it the right way, they often reward you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on a Monumental Streak

The record commenced over eighteen years ago. It stood as the longest streak of its kind in NBA history: Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run with 575.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing hoops. He had the opportunity but given his nature as a player and his personality as a person, he chose the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and we won the game.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a formality early in the final period. Over the course of the record, he had achieved the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods had occurred recently: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, and then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – but he still rejoiced regardless.

My focus is to make the correct play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. When you make the right play, the sports deities are always rewarding me.”