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James understood his monumental streak of putting up 10+ points was at risk. When it mattered most, though, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move involved passing the basketball – so he did. Consequently, his remarkable run was over.

LeBron's unprecedented streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season games with 10+ points concluded on Thursday night, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only a mere eight points during the Lakers' close victory over Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, feeding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer to win the game.

“None,” James said in response about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Team-First Play Delivers the Game

James could have tried to secure the contest – and extended his record – on the final possession, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Rui on the wing. Hachimura sank it, and James celebrated immediately.

You have to play the game correctly. Always make the correct play,” James noted. That has always been my M.O.. That’s how I was taught to play. I’ve done that for two decades.”

James is very conscious of how many points he has during a game,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play like he’s done countless times.”

The Record's End Game

James re-entered the game one last time at just over five minutes left, the result and his personal record up for grabs. He had six points from 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to tie the game then missed a 14-footer with one minute to go that would have pushed him to double digits.

He passed up another shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball as time wound down, however, James decided to make the pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, when you play it correctly, they often bless you,” Redick stated.

The History of a Monumental Streak

The record commenced back in January 2007. It stood as the longest double-digit streak in professional basketball: MJ had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list with 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” noted teammate a fellow Laker.

He simply plays hoops. The chance was there but due to who he is on the court and his personality as an individual, he made the pass, passed it to Rui and secured the game.”

Scoring in double figures was usually an afterthought long before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had reached double figures entering the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

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

James managed to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it was over – but he still rejoiced anyway.

“I always just make the correct play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James said. If you make the right play, the sports deities consistently returning the favor.”