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James understood his historic streak of putting up 10+ points was at risk. When it mattered most, however, it didn't concern him.

The right decision meant distributing the rock – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run was over.

LeBron's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended this past Thursday, as basketball's greatest scorer finished with a mere eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the clutch helper, setting up Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple to win the game.

“Nothing,” James stated after being questioned about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Play Delivers the Game

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the game – and extended the streak – with the last shot, but he chose to dish the ball to Rui on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, and James exulted triumphantly.

“Just playing basketball the right way. You always make the correct play,” James noted. That has always been how I operate. It's how I was instructed the game. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

He is fully cognizant of how many points he has at all times,” said Lakers coach the coach. “He did it like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the game one last time with just over five minutes left, the win along with the historic run up for grabs. His tally was a mere six points on 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He got a bucket with under two minutes remaining to level the contest but then missed a shot at one minute to go which could have gotten him into double figures.

He avoided taking one more attempt – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves gave James the ball as time wound down, but James opted to make the extra pass instead.

The basketball deities, if you do it correctly, they will reward you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at a Monumental Streak

The record commenced back in January 2007. It was, by far the most extended streak of its kind in professional basketball: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list at 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” noted teammate a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but given who he is on the court and his personality off the court, he made the pass, passed it to Rui and we won the victory.”

Getting to ten points had long been an afterthought early in the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had attained the 10-point mark entering the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

However, two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters took place just days before: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, and then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it was over – but he still rejoiced anyway.

I only ever make the right play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James declared. If you make the unselfish play, the game gods forever rewarding me.”