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The Lakers star knew his historic streak of scoring in double figures was threatened. In that crucial moment, however, it didn't concern him.

The smart move involved passing the rock – and he executed. With that selfless act, the legendary streak finished.

LeBron's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances concluded on Thursday night, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the decisive pass, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer to win the game.

“None,” James stated in response about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Team-First Play Secures Victory

He might have attempted to win the game – and preserved the streak – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to dish the ball to Rui in the left corner. Rui connected, with LeBron raised his arms with his hands in the air.

“Just playing basketball the right way. Always make the smart play,” James explained. That has always been how I operate. That’s how I was taught to play. That's what I've done for two decades.”

James is very conscious of his point total he's scored at all times,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted like he’s done countless times.”

The Record's End Game

He returned to the contest for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the result along with the historic run up for grabs. He had six points from 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He scored with under two minutes remaining to tie the game but then missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left which could have taken him to ten points.

He didn’t take one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves gave James the ball in the waning seconds, however, James chose to make the pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you do it correctly, they will repay you,” the coach concluded.

The History of a Monumental Run

The record commenced back in January 2007. It was, by far the greatest double-digit streak in professional basketball: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run at 575.

“He’s such a team-oriented player,” noted teammate a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. He could have shot but because of who he is on the court and just who he is off the court, he executed the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a formality early in the final period. Throughout his run, he had achieved double figures by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times before this game.

However, two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters took place recently: He had nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, followed by six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it finished – but he still rejoiced regardless.

My focus is to make the best play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James said. “You make the smart play, the basketball gods consistently rewarding me.”