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The Lakers star knew his monumental run of scoring in double figures was at risk. At the decisive instant, however, it didn't concern him.

The right decision was to pass the basketball – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record was over.

LeBron's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points was snapped on Thursday night, when basketball's greatest scorer had only eight points in the Lakers' close victory over Toronto. He delivered the clutch helper, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer as time expired.

“Zero,” James stated when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Decision Seals the Win

He might have tried to secure the game – and extended the streak – on the final possession, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Hachimura in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, and James celebrated with his hands in the air.

“Just playing basketball the proper way. Make the smart play,” James remarked. “That’s just been how I operate. That is the way I was taught to play. I've played that way for two decades.”

James is acutely aware of his point total he's scored at any point,” said the team's head coach the coach. He made the play as he has done so many times.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

He returned to the contest for the final time with just over five minutes left, the result and the streak on the line. His tally was a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to knot the score but then missed a 14-footer at one minute to go which could have gotten him into double figures.

He avoided taking another shot – but could have. Austin Reaves passed him the ball as time wound down, however, James opted to make the pass instead.

“The basketball gods, when you play it correctly, they will reward you,” Redick added.

The History of a Staggering Record

This incredible run began over eighteen years ago. It was, by far the greatest streak of its kind the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and Karl Malone recorded of 575 games.

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

He focuses on playing the sport. He had the opportunity but due to who he is on the court and just who he is as a person, he chose the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points had typically been an afterthought early in the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had attained the 10-point mark entering the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

Yet two of those rare single-digit games after three periods had happened in the last week: He had nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, followed by six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

James managed to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it finished – but he still rejoiced anyway.

“I always just make the right play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. If you make the right play, the game gods consistently giving back to me.”