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The Lakers star knew his monumental run of putting up 10+ points was at risk. When it mattered most, however, it was not his focus.

The right decision meant distributing the ball – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten concluded on Thursday night, as the league's career points king finished with eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the clutch helper, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“None,” James said after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Choice Seals the Game

He might have attempted to win the contest – and preserved his record – with the last shot, but he chose to dish the ball to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James raised his arms with his hands in the air.

You have to play the game correctly. Make the right play,” James noted. “That’s just been my philosophy. That’s how I was taught to play. I've played that way throughout my career.”

James is acutely aware of his point total he's scored at all times,” said the team's head coach JJ Redick. He acted just as he has countless times.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the floor for the final time with under five and a half minutes to go, the result and his personal record on the line. His tally was only six points from a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He got a bucket at under two minutes remaining to level the contest and missed a 14-footer with 1:01 left that would have taken him into double figures.

He passed up another shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate passed him the ball with a few seconds left, however, James opted to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you do it the proper way, they often reward you,” the coach concluded.

The History of an Unparalleled Run

The record commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the longest such streak in professional basketball: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded at 575.

He is such a team-oriented player,” said teammate a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the sport. He could have shot but because of the player he is and just who he is as an individual, he made the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and claimed the victory.”

Reaching double digits had long been an afterthought well before the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had reached the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

But two of those unusual games below ten points through three quarters took place just days before: He had nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. One game later, it concluded – and he celebrated regardless.

I only ever make the correct play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James said. If you make the smart play, the basketball gods are always rewarding me.”