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LeBron James was aware his monumental streak of reaching double digits was at risk. At the decisive instant, however, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move meant distributing the ball – so he did. Following that play, the legendary streak was over.

James's unprecedented streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season games with 10+ points concluded this past Thursday, when the league's career points king finished with eight total points during the Lakers' close win against Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, setting up Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple to win the game.

“Nothing,” James said after being questioned about the streak ending. “We won.”

An Unselfish Play Seals the Win

He might have sought to clinch the contest – while also extending his record – on the final possession, yet he opted to make the extra pass to his teammate stationed in the corner. Rui connected, prompting James exulted immediately.

You have to play the game the right way. Make the correct play,” James explained. That is my M.O.. That is the way I was instructed the game. That's what I've done for two decades.”

James is acutely aware of how many points he's scored during a game,” said the team's head coach the coach. “He did it like he’s done so many times.”

The Run's Final Moments

James re-entered the floor for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the outcome and his personal record up for grabs. His tally was six points on 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to level the contest and missed a shot with one minute to go that might have taken him to ten points.

He passed up one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, yet LeBron opted to make the pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it the right way, they often reward you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Record

This incredible run started back in January 2007. It was easily the most extended streak of its kind in NBA history: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and The Mailman recorded of 575 games.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” said Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the game of basketball. He could have shot but because of who he is on the court and just who he is as a person, he made the team play, passed it to Rui and secured the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually an afterthought early in the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had achieved double figures by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times coming into the contest.

Yet two of those rare games below ten points after three periods took place just days before: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

He succeeded in preserve the record against the Suns. The very next outing, it was over – and he celebrated all the same.

“I always just make the correct play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James affirmed. When you make the smart play, the game gods forever giving back to me.”