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The Lakers star knew his incredible streak of putting up 10+ points was threatened. In that crucial moment, though, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play was to pass the basketball – and he executed. With that selfless act, the legendary streak finished.

LeBron's staggering run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season games with 10+ points concluded on Thursday night, as basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight points during the Lakers' close victory over Toronto. He made the decisive pass, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James replied after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Play Delivers the Game

He might have attempted to win the game – and extended the streak – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to dish the ball to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron exulted triumphantly.

It's about playing basketball the proper way. Always make the right play,” James explained. That is my philosophy. That is the way I was instructed to play. I’ve done that my whole career.”

“LeBron is very conscious of how many points he's scored at any point,” commented Lakers coach the coach. He made the play just as he has throughout his career.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the floor one last time with 5:23 remaining, the outcome along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. 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 and missed a shot at 1:01 left that would have gotten him into double figures.

He avoided taking another shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate passed him the ball as time wound down, however, James opted to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you do it the right way, they often reward you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on a Monumental Record

The record started back in January 2007. It stood as the most extended such streak in NBA history: MJ had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list at 575.

He is such an unselfish player,” said teammate Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the sport. The chance was there but given the player he is and his personality off the court, he chose the pass, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a formality early in the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had reached double figures by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

But two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters took place just days before: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. One game later, it finished – and he celebrated regardless.

My focus is to make the right play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the sports deities forever giving back to me.”