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The Lakers star knew his incredible run of reaching double digits was at risk. At the decisive instant, though, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the rock – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, the unprecedented record finished.

James's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points ended on Thursday night, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the clutch helper, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer as time expired.

“None,” James replied in response about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Decision Seals Victory

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the game – and extended his record – on the final possession, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to Rui in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James celebrated triumphantly.

It's about playing the game correctly. Make the right play,” James noted. That has always been how I operate. That is the way I was instructed to play. I’ve done that my whole career.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant of his point total he's scored during a game,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play like he’s done countless times.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the contest one last time at just over five minutes left, the result along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. His tally was a mere six points from 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

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

He didn’t take one more attempt – but could have. Austin Reaves gave James the ball as time wound down, however, James decided to make the extra pass instead.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it correctly, they tend to reward you,” the coach concluded.

The History of a Monumental Record

James's streak began back in January 2007. It was easily the most extended streak of its kind in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run with 575.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” said Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing hoops. He could have shot but due to his nature as a player and his character off the court, he made the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and we won the game.”

Getting to ten points had typically been an afterthought long before the final period. During James’s streak, he had attained double figures by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times coming into the contest.

However, two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods had occurred recently: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, and then had six going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. One game later, it was over – and he celebrated anyway.

I only ever make the right play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James declared. When you make the right play, the sports deities consistently giving back to me.”