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LeBron James was aware his monumental streak of putting up 10+ points was threatened. At the decisive instant, however, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play was to pass the rock – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, the legendary streak was over.

LeBron's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points was snapped on Thursday night, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only eight points in the Lakers' close win against Toronto. He made the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer to win the game.

“Nothing,” James replied when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

A Team-First Decision Secures the Game

James could have attempted to win the contest – and preserved the streak – in the closing seconds, but he chose to make the extra pass to Hachimura on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, and James raised his arms with his hands in the air.

You have to play basketball the proper way. Always make the correct play,” James explained. “That’s just been my philosophy. That is the way I was taught the game. That's what I've done my whole career.”

James is very conscious exactly how many points he has at any point,” commented the team's head coach JJ Redick. “He did it like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Streak's End Game

He returned to the game one last time with just over five minutes left, the win along with the historic run on the line. His tally was a mere six points on a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

He scored with under two minutes remaining to tie the game but then missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left that would have pushed him to double digits.

He didn’t take one more attempt – but could have. A teammate found him with a few seconds left, however, James chose to dish it off instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, when you play it the right way, they often repay you,” the coach concluded.

The History of an Unparalleled Record

This incredible run began on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the most extended streak of its kind in NBA history: MJ had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and The Mailman recorded at 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the game of basketball. He could have shot but because of who he is on the court and just who he is as a person, he made the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points had long been a guarantee long before the final period. Throughout his run, he had attained ten points entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

But two of those unusual games below ten points through three quarters had occurred in the last week: He had nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to extend the streak against the Suns. The very next outing, it was over – yet he was celebrating regardless.

I only ever make the correct play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James said. When you make the smart play, the basketball gods forever returning the favor.”