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The Lakers star knew his historic run of putting up 10+ points was at risk. In that crucial moment, however, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play was to pass the ball – so he did. Consequently, his remarkable run finished.

James's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points concluded during a recent game, as basketball's greatest scorer finished with a mere eight points in the Lakers' close win against the Toronto Raptors. He made the clutch helper, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer as time expired.

“Zero,” James stated after being questioned about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Selfless Play Secures Victory

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the contest – while also extending his record – with the last shot, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Rui in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James exulted triumphantly.

You have to play the game correctly. You always make the smart play,” James remarked. That has always been my philosophy. That is the way I was taught the game. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

He is very conscious of his point total he has during a game,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted as he has done throughout his career.”

The Record's Final Moments

He returned to the game one last time with 5:23 remaining, the win and his personal record on the line. At that stage, he had only six points from 3-of-15 shooting then.

He got a bucket with 1:46 left to knot the score and missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left that might have pushed him into double figures.

He avoided taking one more attempt – but could have. A teammate found him in the waning seconds, yet LeBron chose to make the pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you do it the right way, they will reward you,” Redick added.

The History of a Staggering Run

This incredible run started over eighteen years ago. It was easily the greatest such streak in professional basketball: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded at 575.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

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

Getting to ten points was usually an afterthought long before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had achieved double figures entering the fourth over twelve hundred times before this game.

Yet two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters had occurred just days before: He had nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it was over – and he celebrated all the same.

My focus is to make the right play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James affirmed. When you make the unselfish play, the sports deities forever returning the favor.”