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The Lakers star knew his historic streak of reaching double digits was in danger. At the decisive instant, though, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play was to pass the rock – so he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak came to an end.

LeBron's astounding run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten ended during a recent game, when basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight points during the Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the decisive pass, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a triple as time expired.

“None,” James said when asked about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Team-First Choice Delivers Victory

He might have tried to secure the game – and extended the streak – in the closing seconds, but he chose to dish the ball to Rui in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James celebrated with his hands in the air.

“Just playing basketball the right way. Always make the correct play,” James explained. That has always been my M.O.. It's how I was taught the game. I've played that way my whole career.”

He is fully cognizant of how many points he has at any point,” stated the team's head coach JJ Redick. “He did it like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

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 six points from a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to tie the game but then missed a 14-footer with one minute to go that might have taken him to double digits.

He avoided taking one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. A teammate found him in the waning seconds, however, James decided to dish it off instead.

The spirits of the game, when you play it correctly, they often repay you,” Redick added.

The History of a Staggering Run

This incredible run began back in January 2007. It was, by far the greatest such streak in NBA history: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run with 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” noted Lakers center a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing hoops. He had the opportunity but due to the player he is and his character as an individual, he made the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and we won the game.”

Getting to ten points was usually an afterthought early in the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had attained the 10-point mark entering the fourth over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those unusual games below ten points through three quarters took place recently: He had nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

He succeeded in preserve the record in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it was over – and he celebrated anyway.

I only ever make the best play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James declared. When you make the right play, the sports deities forever returning the favor.”