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The Lakers star knew his incredible streak of putting up 10+ points was threatened. In that crucial moment, however, it didn't concern him.

The right decision involved passing the ball – so he did. Consequently, the legendary streak finished.

James's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points was snapped this past Thursday, when the league's career points king finished with eight points in the Lakers' close triumph versus Toronto. He made the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot as time expired.

“Zero,” James stated after being questioned about the streak ending. “We won.”

An Unselfish Decision Secures Victory

James could have tried to secure the contest – and preserved his record – on the final possession, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to his teammate stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James exulted with his hands in the air.

You have to play basketball the right way. Make the right play,” James noted. “That’s just been my M.O.. That is the way I learned the game. I've played that way throughout my career.”

He is very conscious exactly how many points he's scored during a game,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play as he has done so many times.”

The Streak's End Game

LeBron checked back into the contest for the final time at just over five minutes left, the result along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. His tally was only six points from a 3-for-15 performance 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 to double digits.

He avoided taking one more attempt – but could have. Austin Reaves gave James the ball with a few seconds left, but James opted to make the pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you do it the right way, they tend to bless you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Streak

James's streak commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the longest double-digit streak in NBA history: Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787 such games, and The Mailman recorded of 575 games.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” noted teammate Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the game of basketball. He could have shot but due to his nature as a player and just who he is as a person, he executed the pass, passed it to Rui and claimed the game.”

Getting to ten points was usually a formality long before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had attained the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

But two such games below ten points through three quarters had occurred just days before: He recorded nine entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

James managed to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it finished – and he celebrated regardless.

I only ever make the correct play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James said. If you make the right play, the basketball gods are always giving back to me.”