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LeBron James was aware his historic run of putting up 10+ points was in danger. In that crucial moment, however, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the ball – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak was over.

James's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points ended this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with a mere eight points in the Lakers' close win against Toronto. He delivered the game-winning assist, finding Rui Hachimura for a triple at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James replied after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

A Team-First Decision Delivers Victory

James could have attempted to win the game – and extended his record – in the closing seconds, but he chose to pass to Rui on the wing. Rui connected, prompting James celebrated with his hands in the air.

“Just playing the game the proper way. Always make the correct play,” James explained. That is my M.O.. That’s how I was taught the game. I've played that way for two decades.”

He is fully cognizant exactly how many points he has during a game,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play like he’s done so many times.”

The Streak's End Game

He returned to the contest for the final time at 5:23 remaining, the result along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. He had six points from 3 for 15 from the field then.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to knot the score and missed a shot at one minute to go which could have taken him to ten points.

He didn’t take one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. A teammate gave James the ball as time wound down, but James decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it correctly, they will bless you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Run

This incredible run commenced back in January 2007. It stood as the most extended streak of its kind in NBA history: Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded at 575.

“He’s such a team-oriented player,” remarked Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

“He’s just playing the sport. He could have shot but due to who he is on the court and just who he is off the court, he executed the team play, passed it to Rui and secured the victory.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a formality early in the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had achieved double figures entering the fourth over twelve hundred times coming into the contest.

But two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters had happened just days before: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, followed by six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it concluded – yet he was celebrating anyway.

I only ever make the best play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James said. “You make the unselfish play, the game gods forever returning the favor.”