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The Lakers star knew his incredible streak of putting up 10+ points was threatened. At the decisive instant, though, it didn't concern him.

The right decision was to pass the rock – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, his remarkable run came to an end.

James's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points was snapped during a recent game, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight points in the Lakers' close victory over Toronto. He provided the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot to win the game.

“Nothing,” James said in response about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Decision Delivers the Game

James could have tried to secure the contest – and extended his record – on the final possession, but he chose to dish the ball to Rui stationed in the corner. Rui connected, and James raised his arms triumphantly.

It's about playing the game the proper way. Always make the smart play,” James explained. That is my philosophy. That is the way I was instructed the game. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

“LeBron is very conscious of how many points he's scored at all times,” commented the team's head coach JJ Redick. He made the play as he has done throughout his career.”

The Record's Final Moments

James re-entered the game for the final time with just over five minutes left, the result along with the historic run up for grabs. At that stage, he had only six points from 3 for 15 from the field then.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to knot the score and missed a shot at one minute to go that would have taken him to double digits.

He passed up a subsequent shot – but could have. A teammate passed him the ball as time wound down, but James opted to make the pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you do it the right way, they will repay you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on a Staggering Record

James's streak commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the longest double-digit streak in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

He simply plays hoops. The chance was there but given his nature as a player and his character as a person, he executed the pass, passed it to Rui and secured the game.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been an afterthought early in the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had achieved the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth 1,266 times coming into the contest.

Yet two of those rare games below ten points through three quarters had occurred in the last week: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

James managed to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it was over – and he celebrated all the same.

I only ever make the correct play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. If you make the unselfish play, the sports deities are always rewarding me.”