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LeBron James was aware his monumental run of reaching double digits was in danger. At the decisive instant, though, it was not his focus.

The smart move involved passing the basketball – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run came to an end.

LeBron's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten concluded during a recent game, as the league's career points king finished with a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He provided the clutch helper, finding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot as time expired.

“Nothing,” James replied after being questioned about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Decision Delivers Victory

He might have tried to secure the game – and extended his record – with the last shot, but he chose to pass to Rui in the left corner. Rui connected, and James celebrated with his hands in the air.

You have to play the game the proper way. Always make the right play,” James explained. That is how I operate. That is the way I learned to play. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant of his point total he's scored at any point,” said the team's head coach JJ Redick. “He did it just as he has throughout his career.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the floor one last time with just over five minutes left, the win along with the historic run up for grabs. He had a mere six points from 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He got a bucket at 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a shot with 1:01 left that would have gotten him to ten points.

He passed up another shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate gave James the ball as time wound down, but James opted to dish it off instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it correctly, they will repay you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on a Monumental Run

This incredible run started on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the longest streak of its kind in professional basketball: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

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

He simply plays hoops. He could have shot but because of the player he is and just who he is as a person, he made the pass, found Rui and secured the game.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been a formality early in the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had achieved the 10-point mark entering the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

Yet two of those rare single-digit games after three periods had occurred just days before: He had nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. One game later, it concluded – yet he was celebrating anyway.

“I always just make the right play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the basketball gods consistently returning the favor.”