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James understood his monumental streak of putting up 10+ points was in danger. At the decisive instant, however, it didn't concern him.

The smart move was to pass the basketball – and he executed. Following that play, the legendary streak came to an end.

LeBron's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped on Thursday night, as basketball's greatest scorer had only eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over Toronto. He delivered the game-winning assist, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer to win the game.

“Zero,” James stated after being questioned on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Decision Secures the Win

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the contest – and extended his record – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to dish the ball to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James exulted triumphantly.

You have to play basketball correctly. You always make the right play,” James remarked. That has always been my M.O.. That’s how I was taught the game. I've played that way my whole career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of his point total he has at all times,” commented Lakers coach the coach. He acted just as he has throughout his career.”

The Streak's Final Moments

James re-entered the game for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the win and the streak up for grabs. He had a mere six points on a 3-for-15 performance then.

He scored with 1:46 left to knot the score then missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left that would have gotten him to ten points.

He didn’t take one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. A teammate passed him the ball in the waning seconds, but James decided to make the pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, when you play it correctly, they tend to reward you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at a Monumental Run

The record commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the most extended double-digit streak in NBA history: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787 such games, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run at 575.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays hoops. The chance was there but due to the player he is and just who he is as an individual, he executed the team play, dished to Hachimura and we won the victory.”

Scoring in double figures was usually an afterthought early in the final period. Throughout his run, he had reached double figures by the start of the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

Yet two such games below ten points after three periods had occurred in the last week: He had nine entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, and then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it finished – and he celebrated regardless.

I only ever make the correct play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the basketball gods forever giving back to me.”