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James understood his historic streak of putting up 10+ points was in danger. In that crucial moment, though, it was not his focus.

The smart move was to pass the rock – so he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run came to an end.

LeBron's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points concluded during a recent game, as basketball's greatest scorer had only eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the decisive pass, finding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James said in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers the Game

He might have tried to secure the game – and preserved his record – with the last shot, yet he opted to dish the ball to Hachimura on the wing. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron exulted with his hands in the air.

You have to play basketball correctly. You always make the correct play,” James explained. “That’s just been my M.O.. That is the way I was instructed the game. I've played that way for two decades.”

“LeBron is very conscious of how many points he's scored at all times,” said Lakers coach the coach. He acted like he’s done so many times.”

The Run's Final Moments

James re-entered the contest for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the win and his personal record on the line. At that stage, he had six points on 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to knot the score and missed a 14-footer with one minute to go that would have gotten him to ten points.

He passed up another shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves found him with a few seconds left, yet LeBron decided to dish it off instead.

The spirits of the game, if you do it correctly, they tend to bless you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Streak

James's streak started back in January 2007. It was easily the greatest streak of its kind the league has ever seen: MJ had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” remarked Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays hoops. He had the opportunity but due to the player he is and his personality off the court, he executed the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and secured the victory.”

Getting to ten points had long been an afterthought long before the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had attained double figures entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

But two such single-digit games through three quarters took place in the last week: He recorded nine going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, followed by six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it finished – and he celebrated all the same.

I only ever make the right play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the basketball gods consistently returning the favor.”