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LeBron James was aware his historic streak of putting up 10+ points was in danger. At the decisive instant, however, it was not his focus.

The smart move involved passing the ball – so he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak was over.

James's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points ended on Thursday night, when basketball's greatest scorer finished with a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, finding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer to win the game.

“Nothing,” James replied in response on the record concluding. “We won.”

A Team-First Choice Delivers the Win

James could have sought to clinch the game – while also extending his record – with the last shot, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Rui connected, prompting James celebrated with his hands in the air.

It's about playing basketball correctly. Always make the smart play,” James noted. “That’s just been my M.O.. It's how I was instructed the game. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of how many points he has at any point,” said Lakers coach the coach. He made the play like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Streak's Final Moments

James re-entered the contest for the final time with just over five minutes left, the outcome and the streak up for grabs. He had only six points from 3 for 15 from the field then.

He scored with 1:46 left to knot the score and missed a mid-range jumper at one minute to go which could have taken him to ten points.

He passed up another shot – but could have. A teammate passed him the ball as time wound down, yet LeBron opted to make the extra pass instead.

The basketball deities, if you approach it the proper way, they often bless you,” the coach concluded.

The History of a Monumental Streak

This incredible run started back in January 2007. It stood as the most extended such streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and Karl Malone recorded at 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” noted teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the sport. He could have shot but because of who he is on the court and his personality as a person, he chose the unselfish play, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had long been an afterthought well before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had attained double figures by the start of the fourth 1,266 times coming into the contest.

Yet two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods had occurred recently: He had nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six points going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

James managed to preserve the record against the Suns. In the following contest, it was over – but he still rejoiced all the same.

I only ever make the best play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the game gods are always giving back to me.”