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LeBron James was aware his historic run of scoring in double figures was at risk. At the decisive instant, however, it didn't concern him.

The smart move was to pass the rock – so he did. Consequently, his remarkable run came to an end.

James's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten ended this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He made the decisive pass, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple to win the game.

“Nothing,” James stated when asked about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers Victory

James could have sought to clinch the contest – while also extending the streak – on the final possession, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James celebrated immediately.

You have to play basketball correctly. Make the smart play,” James noted. That has always been my M.O.. It's how I was instructed to play. I've played that way my whole career.”

He is acutely aware of his point total he's scored during a game,” said Lakers coach the coach. He acted like he’s done so many times.”

The Streak's End Game

LeBron checked back into the contest for the final time at under five and a half minutes to go, the win and his personal record up for grabs. At that stage, he had six points from 3-of-15 shooting then.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to level the contest then missed a shot with one minute to go that would have gotten him into double figures.

He passed up another shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate passed him the ball with a few seconds left, yet LeBron opted to make the pass instead.

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

A Look Back at a Staggering Streak

This incredible run commenced back in January 2007. It stood as the longest such streak the league has ever seen: MJ had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and Karl Malone recorded with 575.

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

He simply plays hoops. He could have shot but due to his nature as a player and his character as a person, he executed the team play, found Rui and claimed the game.”

Reaching double digits was usually a formality early in the final period. Over the course of the record, he had attained double figures by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

However, two such games below ten points after three periods had occurred in the last week: He had nine 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 keep the streak alive against the Suns. The very next outing, it was over – and he celebrated anyway.

I only ever make the best play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James said. When you make the right play, the basketball gods are always returning the favor.”