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The Lakers star knew his incredible run of scoring in double figures was in danger. When it mattered most, though, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play involved passing the rock – so he did. Following that play, his remarkable run finished.

James's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points was snapped this past Thursday, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus Toronto. He provided the game-winning assist, finding Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot as time expired.

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

A Team-First Play Delivers Victory

James could have sought to clinch the game – and preserved the streak – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to dish the ball to Rui in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron raised his arms with his hands in the air.

You have to play basketball the right way. Make the smart play,” James remarked. That is my philosophy. That is the way I learned the game. I've played that way for two decades.”

“LeBron is very conscious of his point total he has at any point,” commented Lakers coach the coach. “He did it just as he has so many times.”

The Streak's End Game

LeBron checked back into the floor one last time at just over five minutes left, the win and his personal record up for grabs. He had a mere six points from 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to level the contest then missed a shot with one minute to go which could have taken him to ten points.

He passed up one more attempt – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves gave James the ball in the waning seconds, yet LeBron opted to make the pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it the right way, they often bless you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at a Monumental Run

This incredible run commenced back in January 2007. It stood as the greatest streak of its kind in NBA history: MJ had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the sport. The chance was there but due to the player he is and just who he is as a person, he made the pass, dished to Hachimura and we won the victory.”

Reaching double digits had typically been a formality well before the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had achieved double figures by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

However, two of those rare single-digit games after three periods had happened in the last week: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, followed by six points going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in extend the streak against the Suns. In the following contest, it was over – yet he was celebrating all the same.

“I always just make the right play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James said. When you make the smart play, the basketball gods forever returning the favor.”