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James understood his monumental streak of putting up 10+ points was threatened. In that crucial moment, though, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play involved passing the ball – so he did. Consequently, his remarkable run came to an end.

LeBron's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped during a recent game, as basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight points in the Lakers' close triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, feeding Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James stated when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Choice Secures the Win

He might have tried to secure the game – while also extending the streak – with the last shot, yet he opted to pass to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, and James raised his arms immediately.

“Just playing the game correctly. Always make the smart play,” James noted. That is my philosophy. That’s how I was instructed to play. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

He is acutely aware of his point total he has at all times,” commented the team's head coach the coach. He made the play as he has done so many times.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

He returned to the floor for the final time at under five and a half minutes to go, the outcome and the streak up for grabs. At that stage, he had only six points from a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He scored with 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a shot with 1:01 left that might have gotten him to double digits.

He didn’t take another shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him with a few seconds left, but James chose to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you approach it the right way, they will repay you,” the coach concluded.

The History of an Unparalleled Run

James's streak commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the longest double-digit streak in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded of 575 games.

He is such a team-oriented player,” said Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing hoops. He could have shot but because of the player he is and his character as a person, he executed the pass, dished to Hachimura and secured the victory.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a guarantee long before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had achieved double figures by the start of the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

But two such games below ten points after three periods had happened just days before: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – and he celebrated regardless.

I only ever make the correct play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James said. If you make the right play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”