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LeBron James was aware his incredible streak of putting up 10+ points was threatened. At the decisive instant, however, it was not his focus.

The smart move was to pass the ball – and he executed. Consequently, his remarkable run finished.

James's unprecedented streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season games with 10+ points was snapped this past Thursday, as the league's career points king had only eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against Toronto. He delivered the decisive pass, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot as time expired.

“None,” James replied in response on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Choice Secures Victory

James could have attempted to win the game – while also extending the streak – in the closing seconds, but he chose to dish the ball to Hachimura in the left corner. Rui connected, with LeBron exulted with his hands in the air.

“Just playing basketball the right way. Make the smart play,” James noted. “That’s just been how I operate. That is the way I was instructed the game. I’ve done that my whole career.”

James is very conscious of how many points he's scored at any point,” said the team's head coach the coach. He made the play like he’s done countless times.”

The Run's Final Moments

He returned to the game for the final time with under five and a half minutes to go, the outcome and the streak on the line. His tally was only six points on 3-of-15 shooting then.

He scored with 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a shot at 1:01 left that would have gotten him into double figures.

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him as time wound down, yet LeBron decided to make the extra pass instead.

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

The History of a Staggering Run

This incredible run started back in January 2007. It stood as the greatest streak of its kind in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman recorded of 575 games.

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

He focuses on playing hoops. He had the opportunity but due to who he is on the court and his personality as an individual, he chose the pass, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Scoring in double figures was usually an afterthought well before the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had attained double figures by the start of the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters took place recently: He had nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, and then had six going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

James managed to extend the streak against the Suns. In the following contest, it was over – and he celebrated regardless.

“I always just make the correct play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James said. When you make the smart play, the sports deities consistently returning the favor.”