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The Lakers star knew his monumental streak of reaching double digits was threatened. In that crucial moment, though, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play involved passing the rock – so he did. Following that play, his remarkable run was over.

LeBron's staggering streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season games with 10+ points concluded this past Thursday, when basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He provided the decisive pass, finding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer as time expired.

“None,” James stated after being questioned about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers the Win

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the game – and preserved his record – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to Rui in the left corner. Rui connected, with LeBron celebrated with his hands in the air.

It's about playing the game the right way. Make the smart play,” James noted. That has always been my philosophy. That’s how I was instructed the game. I've played that way for two decades.”

He is fully cognizant of his point total he's scored at any point,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Record's End Game

He returned to the contest for the final time at 5:23 remaining, the win and his personal record both hanging in the balance. He had a mere six points on 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He got a bucket at under two minutes remaining to tie the game but then missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left that would have pushed him to double digits.

He passed up another shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him in the waning seconds, but James opted to make the pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you do it the proper way, they often bless you,” Redick added.

The History of a Staggering Streak

The record began back in January 2007. It was easily the longest such streak in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman recorded at 575.

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

“He’s just playing hoops. The chance was there but because of his nature as a player and just who he is off the court, he chose the unselfish play, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a guarantee well before the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had reached the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

But two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods took place recently: He recorded nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in extend the streak in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it finished – but he still rejoiced regardless.

I only ever make the best play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James affirmed. If you make the right play, the sports deities forever giving back to me.”