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LeBron James was aware his historic streak of putting up 10+ points was at risk. At the decisive instant, however, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the rock – so he did. Consequently, his remarkable run finished.

James's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points concluded this past Thursday, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the game-winning assist, finding Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James stated in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Choice Seals the Game

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the contest – and preserved his record – on the final possession, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, and James exulted with his hands in the air.

You have to play the game the right way. Always make the smart play,” James remarked. That has always been my M.O.. It's how I learned to play. I've played that way for two decades.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of how many points he's scored at any point,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Run's End Game

He returned to the floor for the final time with just over five minutes left, the result along with the historic run up for grabs. He had only six points on a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to tie the game but then missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left which could have gotten him to double digits.

He passed up one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. A teammate passed him the ball with a few seconds left, however, James chose to make the extra pass instead.

“The basketball gods, if you do it correctly, they tend to repay you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at a Staggering Run

The record began on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the greatest such streak the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list with 575.

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

He simply plays the sport. He could have shot but given the player he is and his personality as an individual, he made the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and secured the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a guarantee long before the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had achieved ten points entering the fourth 1,266 times coming into the contest.

However, two of those unusual games below ten points through three quarters had happened recently: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

James managed to keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – yet he was celebrating regardless.

My focus is to make the correct play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James said. “You make the right play, the game gods consistently giving back to me.”