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The Lakers star knew his monumental run of scoring in double figures was at risk. When it mattered most, however, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the basketball – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the legendary streak was over.

James's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points concluded during a recent game, as the league's career points king had only eight total points during the Lakers' close victory over Toronto. He made the decisive pass, finding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James stated in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Play Delivers the Game

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the contest – and extended his record – with the last shot, yet he opted to dish the ball to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James exulted immediately.

It's about playing basketball correctly. Always make the right play,” James explained. That is how I operate. It's how I was taught to play. I’ve done that my whole career.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant of his point total he's scored at all times,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play just as he has throughout his career.”

The Run's Final Moments

James re-entered the game for the final time with under five and a half minutes to go, the result and his personal record both hanging in the balance. His tally was six points from a 3-for-15 performance then.

He scored with 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left that would have gotten him into double figures.

He avoided taking one more attempt – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him as time wound down, however, James decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it correctly, they often bless you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Monumental Streak

James's streak commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the longest streak of its kind in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and Karl Malone recorded of 575 games.

He is such a team-oriented player,” remarked Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays hoops. He had the opportunity but due to his nature as a player and his character as an individual, he executed the pass, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Getting to ten points had long been a formality well before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had attained ten points by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

Yet two such games below ten points after three periods had occurred just days before: He had nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, followed by six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

James managed to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it was over – and he celebrated anyway.

I only ever make the right play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James declared. If you make the smart play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”