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LeBron James was aware his incredible run of putting up 10+ points was at risk. When it mattered most, though, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play was to pass the ball – and he executed. Consequently, the unprecedented record came to an end.

James's astounding run of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with a mere eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He provided the decisive pass, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer as time expired.

“None,” James said in response about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers Victory

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the contest – and preserved the streak – with the last shot, yet he opted to pass to Rui in the left corner. Rui connected, prompting James raised his arms triumphantly.

It's about playing basketball the proper way. You always make the correct play,” James noted. “That’s just been how I operate. That is the way I learned the game. I’ve done that my whole career.”

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

The Record's End Game

LeBron checked back into the floor one last time with just over five minutes left, the outcome along with the historic run up for grabs. At that stage, he had a mere six points on 3 for 15 from the field then.

He got a bucket with 1:46 left to knot the score but then missed a mid-range jumper at one minute to go that might 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, yet LeBron opted to dish it off instead of shooting.

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

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Record

The record began over eighteen years ago. It was, by far the longest streak of its kind in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list with 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing hoops. He could have shot but given his nature as a player and his character as a person, he made the team play, dished to Hachimura and secured the game.”

Getting to ten points had long been a formality long before the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had reached double figures by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods had happened recently: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak against the Suns. In the following contest, it was over – but he still rejoiced regardless.

My focus is to make the right play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James said. If you make the smart play, the game gods forever giving back to me.”