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The Lakers star knew his incredible streak of scoring in double figures was in danger. In that crucial moment, though, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the basketball – and he executed. Following that play, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances concluded this past Thursday, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight total points in the Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, finding Rui Hachimura for a triple to win the game.

“Nothing,” James stated after being questioned on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Play Delivers Victory

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the contest – while also extending the streak – on the final possession, but he chose to dish the ball to his teammate in the left corner. Rui connected, with LeBron raised his arms immediately.

“Just playing basketball correctly. You always make the correct play,” James explained. That has always been my M.O.. That’s how I was instructed to play. That's what I've done my whole career.”

James is very conscious exactly how many points he has at any point,” commented the team's head coach JJ Redick. He acted as he has done throughout his career.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the floor for the final 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 then.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left that might have gotten him to ten points.

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

The basketball deities, if you approach it the right way, they will bless you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at a Staggering Run

The record began over eighteen years ago. It was, by far the greatest streak of its kind in NBA history: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run at 575.

He is such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. The chance was there but given who he is on the court and just who he is as a person, he executed the team play, passed it to Rui and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a guarantee long before the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had reached ten points entering the fourth over twelve hundred times before this game.

But two such games below ten points after three periods had happened recently: He recorded nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

James managed to keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – but he still rejoiced regardless.

I only ever make the right play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James said. When you make the unselfish play, the sports deities are always giving back to me.”