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The Lakers star knew his incredible streak of putting up 10+ points was at risk. When it mattered most, though, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play involved passing the rock – so he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's staggering run of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended this past Thursday, when basketball's greatest scorer had only a mere eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the clutch helper, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura for a triple to win the game.

“None,” James said after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Choice Secures the Win

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the contest – while also extending the streak – on the final possession, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to his teammate stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James raised his arms immediately.

“Just playing basketball the proper way. Always make the right play,” James remarked. That has always been my philosophy. It's how I was instructed the game. I've played that way my whole career.”

He is fully cognizant of how many points he's scored at any point,” said the team's head coach JJ Redick. He made the play like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Run's Final Moments

He returned to the game one last time with 5:23 remaining, the win along with the historic run on the line. At that stage, he had a mere six points from 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to knot the score but then missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left that might have taken him into double figures.

He avoided taking another shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, yet LeBron opted to dish it off instead.

The spirits of the game, when you play it the right way, they often reward you,” Redick stated.

The History of an Unparalleled Streak

James's streak began back in January 2007. It was easily the longest such streak in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run at 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” remarked Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the sport. The chance was there but because of the player he is and his character off the court, he chose the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a formality long before the final period. Throughout his run, he had achieved the 10-point mark entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

However, two of those rare games below ten points through three quarters had occurred just days before: He had nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

James managed to preserve the record against the Suns. The very next outing, it finished – but he still rejoiced anyway.

I only ever make the correct play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James said. If you make the unselfish play, the game gods forever returning the favor.”