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LeBron James was aware his incredible streak of scoring in double figures was at risk. At the decisive instant, however, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play involved passing the ball – and he executed. Following that play, the legendary streak came to an end.

LeBron's staggering run of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten concluded on Thursday night, as the league's career points king had only eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the clutch helper, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot to win the game.

“None,” James replied when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Play Delivers the Win

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the game – and extended the streak – on the final possession, instead, he decided to pass to Hachimura on the wing. Hachimura sank it, and James exulted triumphantly.

“Just playing the game the right way. Make the right play,” James explained. That is my M.O.. That is the way I was taught the game. I've played that way my whole career.”

He is fully cognizant exactly how many points he's scored at all times,” commented Lakers coach the coach. He made the play just as he has so many times.”

The Run's End Game

He returned to the floor one last time with under five and a half minutes to go, the outcome and the streak up for grabs. He had a mere six points on 3 for 15 from the field then.

He scored at 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a mid-range jumper at one minute to go that might have gotten him into double figures.

He didn’t take another shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves found him in the waning seconds, yet LeBron chose to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it the proper way, they will reward you,” Redick stated.

The History of a Staggering Record

James's streak commenced over eighteen years ago. It was, by far the most extended such streak the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded with 575.

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

He focuses on playing hoops. He could have shot but because of his nature as a player and his personality as a person, he made the team play, dished to Hachimura and secured the victory.”

Reaching double digits had typically been an afterthought well before the final period. Throughout his run, he had reached the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times coming into the contest.

Yet two such single-digit games through three quarters had occurred just days before: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

James managed to preserve the record against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – and he celebrated all the same.

My focus is to make the correct play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. When you make the unselfish play, the sports deities consistently returning the favor.”