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LeBron James was aware his incredible streak of reaching double digits was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play involved passing the ball – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, the legendary streak finished.

LeBron's astounding streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances ended during a recent game, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He provided the decisive pass, finding Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer to win the game.

“Nothing,” James replied when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Choice Seals Victory

He might have sought to clinch the game – while also extending his record – on the final possession, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to Hachimura in the left corner. Rui connected, and James celebrated with his hands in the air.

“Just playing basketball the proper way. You always make the smart play,” James explained. “That’s just been my M.O.. That is the way I was instructed to play. That's what I've done for two decades.”

“LeBron is very conscious exactly how many points he has during a game,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play as he has done countless times.”

The Streak's End Game

He returned to the contest one last time at just over five minutes left, the result and the streak on the line. He had a mere six points on a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to level the contest but then missed a 14-footer at one minute to go which could have pushed him to ten points.

He avoided taking one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball with a few seconds left, however, James chose to dish it off instead.

The basketball deities, if you do it correctly, they will bless you,” Redick added.

The History of a Monumental Streak

The record started back in January 2007. It was, by far the most extended streak of its kind in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run at 575.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the sport. He could have shot but because of the player he is and his personality as an individual, he made the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and we won the victory.”

Reaching double digits was usually a guarantee early in the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had reached the 10-point mark entering the fourth over twelve hundred times before this game.

Yet two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods had occurred recently: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas last week, then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it was over – but he still rejoiced anyway.

“I always just make the right play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. When you make the smart play, the game gods are always giving back to me.”