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The Lakers star knew his monumental streak of reaching double digits was at risk. When it mattered most, though, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play was to pass the rock – and he executed. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten was snapped this past Thursday, as the league's career points king was limited to a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the clutch helper, finding teammate Rui Hachimura for a triple to win the game.

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

A Team-First Decision Secures Victory

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the game – and extended the streak – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron celebrated immediately.

It's about playing the game correctly. You always make the right play,” James noted. That is my M.O.. That is the way I learned to play. I’ve done that for two decades.”

James is fully cognizant exactly how many points he has during a game,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play just as he has throughout his career.”

The Record's Final Moments

James re-entered the contest one last time with 5:23 remaining, the win and the streak both hanging in the balance. His tally was only six points on a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to knot the score and missed a shot at one minute to go which could have pushed him to double digits.

He avoided taking one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. A teammate found him with a few seconds left, yet LeBron decided to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you do it the proper way, they often repay you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Monumental Run

James's streak began back in January 2007. It stood as the longest double-digit streak in NBA history: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

“He’s such a team-oriented player,” noted teammate Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the sport. He had the opportunity but because of who he is on the court and his character as a person, he made the unselfish play, found Rui and secured the game.”

Reaching double digits had long been a guarantee early in the final period. Over the course of the record, he had achieved the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

But two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters had occurred just days before: He recorded nine going into the fourth against Dallas last week, then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it was over – yet he was celebrating regardless.

“I always just make the best play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”