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The Lakers star knew his monumental run of putting up 10+ points was at risk. When it mattered most, though, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the basketball – so he did. Consequently, the legendary streak finished.

LeBron's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances was snapped on Thursday night, as the league's career points king was limited to eight total points in the Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He made the clutch helper, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer to win the game.

“Nothing,” James said after being questioned about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Selfless Play Secures Victory

He might have attempted to win the game – and preserved the streak – on the final possession, but he chose to dish the ball to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron raised his arms triumphantly.

“Just playing the game the proper way. You always make the smart play,” James remarked. That has always been how I operate. It's how I was taught the game. That's what I've done my whole career.”

James is fully cognizant of his point total he's scored during a game,” said Lakers coach the coach. He made the play as he has done so many times.”

The Record's Final Moments

He returned to the floor one last time with 5:23 remaining, the win and his personal record both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had only six points on 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to tie the game and missed a shot at one minute to go which could have taken him into double figures.

He passed up a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves found him as time wound down, however, James decided to dish it off instead.

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

A Look Back at a Monumental Run

This incredible run began on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the greatest double-digit streak in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the sport. He could have shot but due to his nature as a player and his personality as an individual, he made the team play, found Rui and we won the victory.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a guarantee well before the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had achieved ten points entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods took place just days before: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, and then had six going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. One game later, it concluded – yet he was celebrating regardless.

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