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The Lakers star knew his historic streak of reaching double digits was in danger. At the decisive instant, however, it was not his focus.

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

James's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points was snapped on Thursday night, as the league's career points king was limited to a mere eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He made the game-winning assist, feeding Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“None,” James replied in response about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Decision Seals the Game

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the game – and preserved his record – on the final possession, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Rui connected, with LeBron celebrated with his hands in the air.

“Just playing basketball the proper way. You always make the right play,” James remarked. That has always been my philosophy. That’s how I was taught the game. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

James is fully cognizant of his point total he has at any point,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted as he has done throughout his career.”

The Streak's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the game for the final time at under five and a half minutes to go, the win and his personal record on the line. He had six points on 3 for 15 from the field then.

He scored at 1:46 left to knot the score but then missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left that would have taken him to double digits.

He passed up one more attempt – even though he had a chance. A teammate passed him the ball as time wound down, yet LeBron chose to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it correctly, they tend to repay you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Monumental Run

James's streak commenced back in January 2007. It was, by far the most extended double-digit streak in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone recorded of 575 games.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” remarked Lakers center a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the sport. The chance was there but due to his nature as a player and just who he is as a person, he chose the pass, dished to Hachimura and we won the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually an afterthought long before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had achieved double figures entering the fourth 1,266 times coming into the contest.

However, two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters had happened recently: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas last week, and then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive against the Suns. In the following contest, it finished – but he still rejoiced all the same.

“I always just make the correct play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. If you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods are always rewarding me.”