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James understood his historic streak of reaching double digits was in danger. At the decisive instant, though, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play involved passing the ball – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the legendary streak was over.

James's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points was snapped during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to a mere eight points during the Lakers' close victory over Toronto. He made the clutch helper, feeding Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple at the buzzer.

“None,” James replied after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers the Win

James could have sought to clinch the game – while also extending the streak – with the last shot, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to Rui in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron celebrated immediately.

You have to play basketball the proper way. Always make the correct play,” James remarked. That is how I operate. It's how I was instructed to play. I’ve done that my whole career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of how many points he's scored during a game,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted just as he has throughout his career.”

The Streak's Final Moments

James re-entered the floor one last time at under five and a half minutes to go, the result along with the historic run on the line. At that stage, he had a mere six points from a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

He scored with under two minutes remaining to knot the score then missed a mid-range jumper at one minute to go which could have taken him into double figures.

He passed up another shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate gave James the ball as time wound down, however, James decided to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it the right way, they will bless you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at a Staggering Streak

The record started back in January 2007. It was easily the greatest double-digit streak in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run with 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the sport. He had the opportunity but given his nature as a player and his personality as a person, he executed the pass, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had long been an afterthought long before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had achieved the 10-point mark entering the fourth over twelve hundred times before this game.

But two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods took place recently: He recorded nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. In the following contest, it was over – but he still rejoiced all the same.

My focus is to make the best play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James affirmed. When you make the right play, the sports deities consistently returning the favor.”