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LeBron James was aware his historic streak of putting up 10+ points was threatened. When it mattered most, though, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move was to pass the basketball – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record came to an end.

James's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped on Thursday night, when basketball's greatest scorer had only a mere eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against Toronto. He made the decisive pass, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot to win the game.

“Nothing,” James replied when asked about the streak ending. “We won.”

An Unselfish Decision Secures the Win

He might have sought to clinch the game – and preserved the streak – on the final possession, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James raised his arms triumphantly.

“Just playing basketball the right way. Always make the smart play,” James explained. That has always been my philosophy. It's how I learned to play. I’ve done that my whole career.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant exactly how many points he has at any point,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play as he has done so many times.”

The Run's End Game

James re-entered the game one last time at 5:23 remaining, the outcome and the streak on the line. His tally was only six points from a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

He scored with under two minutes remaining to knot the score then missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left that would have taken him to ten points.

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – but could have. A teammate passed him the ball with a few seconds left, yet LeBron chose to make the extra pass instead.

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

The History of an Unparalleled Streak

James's streak started back in January 2007. It was, by far the greatest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” remarked Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. He could have shot but given the player he is and his personality off the court, he chose the pass, dished to Hachimura and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a guarantee long before the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had attained the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

However, two such single-digit games after three periods had occurred recently: He had nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive against the Suns. The very next outing, it finished – but he still rejoiced regardless.

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