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LeBron James was aware his incredible streak of putting up 10+ points was in danger. When it mattered most, however, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move meant distributing the basketball – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, the legendary streak came to an end.

LeBron's unprecedented run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season games with 10+ points ended during a recent game, as the league's career points king finished with eight total points in the Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He delivered the decisive pass, finding teammate Rui Hachimura for a triple as time expired.

“Nothing,” James stated after being questioned on the record concluding. “We won.”

An Unselfish Decision Seals the Game

James could have attempted to win the game – and preserved the streak – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to dish the ball to Rui stationed in the corner. Rui connected, and James raised his arms immediately.

You have to play basketball the right way. Make the right play,” James remarked. “That’s just been how I operate. That is the way I learned the game. I've played that way throughout my career.”

“LeBron is very conscious exactly how many points he has at all times,” stated the team's head coach the coach. He made the play like he’s done countless times.”

The Streak's Final Moments

James re-entered the contest for the final time at just over five minutes left, the win along with the historic run up for grabs. He had only six points from 3 for 15 from the field then.

He got a bucket at 1:46 left to level the contest then missed a shot at one minute to go that might have pushed him to double digits.

He didn’t take one more attempt – but could have. Austin Reaves gave James the ball as time wound down, but James chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, when you play it the proper way, they often reward you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Monumental Run

This incredible run commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the greatest streak of its kind in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list with 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” said teammate 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 executed the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and secured the game.”

Reaching double digits was usually a guarantee well before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had achieved the 10-point mark entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

However, two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters took place recently: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

James managed to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it finished – and he celebrated all the same.

I only ever make the best play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James declared. If you make the right play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”