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LeBron James was aware his historic run of putting up 10+ points was threatened. In that crucial moment, though, it was not his focus.

The right decision was to pass the ball – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak was over.

LeBron's staggering run of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten concluded during a recent game, when basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight total points in the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the clutch helper, finding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot as time expired.

“None,” James stated when asked about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Selfless Choice Seals the Game

He might have sought to clinch the game – and preserved the streak – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to Hachimura in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, and James raised his arms immediately.

“Just playing basketball the proper way. Always make the smart play,” James noted. That is how I operate. It's how I was taught the game. I've played that way my whole career.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant of his point total he has at all times,” said Lakers coach the coach. He made the play just as he has so many times.”

The Streak's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the contest one last time with just over five minutes left, the result and the streak on the line. His tally was six points from a 3-for-15 performance then.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left which could have gotten him into double figures.

He avoided taking another shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves found him in the waning seconds, but James opted to make the pass instead.

The basketball deities, when you play it the right way, they will reward you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on a Monumental Run

This incredible run started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the longest streak of its kind in professional basketball: Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run at 575.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” said teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the sport. He had the opportunity but because of who he is on the court and just who he is off the court, he made the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and secured the game.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been a formality early in the final period. Throughout his run, he had reached ten points by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

Yet two of those rare single-digit games after three periods had happened just days before: He recorded nine entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it was over – and he celebrated anyway.

“I always just make the correct play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James declared. If you make the right play, the sports deities consistently rewarding me.”