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LeBron James was aware his historic streak of reaching double digits was in danger. At the decisive instant, however, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play was to pass the ball – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record came to an end.

James's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points ended on Thursday night, as the league's career points king was limited to eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He made the clutch helper, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot to win the game.

“Zero,” James replied when asked on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers the Game

He might have sought to clinch the game – and preserved his record – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to pass to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James raised his arms immediately.

It's about playing basketball the proper way. You always make the correct play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my philosophy. That is the way I was instructed the game. I've played that way throughout my career.”

He is fully cognizant of how many points he's scored at any point,” commented the team's head coach JJ Redick. “He did it just as he has throughout his career.”

The Streak's End Game

James re-entered the game for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the outcome along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had six points from 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He scored with under two minutes remaining to knot the score then missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left that might have taken him to ten points.

He passed up another shot – but could have. A teammate found him as time wound down, but James opted to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it the proper way, they will bless you,” Redick added.

The History of an Unparalleled Record

James's streak began back in January 2007. It was, by far the most extended double-digit streak the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list at 575.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” noted teammate Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays hoops. He had the opportunity but because of who he is on the court and his personality as an individual, he chose the pass, dished to Hachimura and secured the game.”

Reaching double digits was usually a formality well before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had achieved double figures entering the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

Yet two such games below ten points after three periods had happened in the last week: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, then had six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

He succeeded in preserve the record against the Suns. One game later, it was over – but he still rejoiced regardless.

My focus is to make the right play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. “You make the smart play, the basketball gods are always rewarding me.”