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James understood his incredible streak of reaching double digits was in danger. At the decisive instant, though, it didn't concern him.

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

James's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten ended during a recent game, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over Toronto. He made the decisive pass, finding Rui Hachimura for a triple as time expired.

“None,” James said after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Choice Secures Victory

James could have sought to clinch the game – and preserved his record – on the final possession, but he chose to dish the ball to Hachimura on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, and James exulted with his hands in the air.

“Just playing basketball the right way. Make the right play,” James explained. That has always been how I operate. That is the way I was taught to play. That's what I've done my whole career.”

He is fully cognizant of how many points he's scored during a game,” said the team's head coach JJ Redick. “He did it as he has done so many times.”

The Run's End Game

James re-entered the contest for the final time with just over five minutes left, the result along with the historic run up for grabs. His tally was six points from 3-of-15 shooting then.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to level the contest and missed a shot at one minute to go that might have pushed him into double figures.

He passed up another shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate found him with a few seconds left, but James opted to dish it off instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you do it correctly, they will repay you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Staggering Record

This incredible run began over eighteen years ago. It was easily the most extended streak of its kind in NBA history: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded of 575 games.

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

He focuses on playing the sport. He had the opportunity but because of who he is on the court and his character as an individual, he executed the pass, passed it to Rui and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually a formality well before the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had attained ten points by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

But two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods had happened just days before: He had nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, and then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. In the following contest, it was over – but he still rejoiced regardless.

I only ever make the right play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James said. When you make the smart play, the sports deities are always returning the favor.”