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James understood his monumental run of putting up 10+ points was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, it didn't concern him.

The smart move involved passing the ball – and he executed. Following that play, the legendary streak finished.

James's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points ended this past Thursday, when the league's career points king was limited to a mere eight points in the Lakers' close victory over Toronto. He provided the decisive pass, finding teammate Rui Hachimura for a triple to win the game.

“Nothing,” James stated after being questioned on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Decision Seals the Game

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the game – while also extending the streak – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to pass to Rui on the wing. Hachimura sank it, prompting James exulted immediately.

You have to play the game correctly. Always make the correct play,” James noted. That is my philosophy. It's how I was taught to play. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

He is very conscious of his point total he's scored at all times,” stated Lakers coach the coach. He made the play just as he has countless times.”

The Run's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into 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. At that stage, he had a mere six points on 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He scored with under two minutes remaining to tie the game then missed a mid-range jumper at one minute to go that would have taken him to ten points.

He didn’t take one more attempt – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him with a few seconds left, but James chose to dish it off instead.

The spirits of the game, when you play it the proper way, they often reward you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at a Staggering Record

This incredible run started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the longest streak of its kind in professional basketball: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but because of the player he is and his character as an individual, he made the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and we won the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually a formality long before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had achieved the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

However, two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters had happened recently: He recorded nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, followed by six points going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

He succeeded in preserve the record in the Phoenix game. One game later, it concluded – but he still rejoiced all the same.

I only ever make the best play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the sports deities are always giving back to me.”