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The Lakers star knew his historic run of scoring in double figures was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play involved passing the ball – so he did. Following that play, his remarkable run came to an end.

LeBron's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped on Thursday night, as basketball's greatest scorer finished with a mere eight points in the Lakers' close win against the Toronto Raptors. He provided the clutch helper, setting up Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer to win the game.

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

A Team-First Play Secures Victory

James could have tried to secure the game – and extended his record – on the final possession, but he chose to pass to his teammate stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron exulted triumphantly.

It's about playing the game the proper way. Make the correct play,” James explained. That is my M.O.. That is the way I was taught the game. I've played that way my whole career.”

He is fully cognizant exactly how many points he has during a game,” commented Lakers coach the coach. “He did it as he has done so many times.”

The Record's Final Moments

He returned to the floor one last time with 5:23 remaining, the result and the streak both hanging in the balance. He had six points from 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He scored at 1:46 left to tie the game and missed a mid-range jumper at one minute to go that might have gotten him to double digits.

He didn’t take one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves gave James the ball in the waning seconds, yet LeBron decided to dish it off instead.

“The basketball gods, when you play it the proper way, they tend to reward you,” Redick added.

The History of an Unparalleled Streak

James's streak began back in January 2007. It was easily the greatest streak of its kind the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and The Mailman recorded at 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” said Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

“He’s just playing the sport. The chance was there but due to his nature as a player and just who he is as an individual, he chose the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and claimed the victory.”

Reaching double digits was usually a guarantee long before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had achieved double figures by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods took place recently: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, then had six going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. One game later, it finished – and he celebrated anyway.

“I always just make the correct play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James said. When you make the right play, the basketball gods forever giving back to me.”