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LeBron James was aware his incredible run of putting up 10+ points was in danger. In that crucial moment, however, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play was to pass the basketball – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, his remarkable run came to an end.

LeBron's unprecedented run of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances was snapped on Thursday night, when the league's career points king was limited to eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the game-winning assist, finding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer to win the game.

“None,” James replied in response about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Play Delivers the Game

James could have attempted to win the game – and preserved the streak – on the final possession, instead, he decided to pass to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron raised his arms immediately.

“Just playing the game the proper way. Always make the right play,” James remarked. “That’s just been how I operate. That’s how I was instructed the game. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

He is acutely aware exactly how many points he has at all times,” said the team's head coach the coach. “He did it like he’s done so many times.”

The Run's End Game

He returned to the game one last time with 5:23 remaining, the result and his personal record up for grabs. At that stage, he had six points on 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He scored with 1:46 left to level the contest but then missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left that might have gotten him into double figures.

He passed up a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball as time wound down, yet LeBron opted to dish it off instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, when you play it the proper way, they often repay you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Staggering Run

James's streak commenced over eighteen years ago. It was easily the most extended such streak the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman recorded of 575 games.

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

He focuses on playing the sport. He could have shot but because of who he is on the court and his character as a person, he made the pass, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a formality long before the final period. During James’s streak, he had attained the 10-point mark entering the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

Yet two such single-digit games after three periods took place just days before: He recorded nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, and then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to extend the streak against the Suns. One game later, it finished – yet he was celebrating regardless.

I only ever make the right play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James declared. “You make the right play, the game gods forever giving back to me.”