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The Lakers star knew his monumental streak of scoring in double figures was threatened. At the decisive instant, however, it didn't concern him.

The right decision involved passing the rock – and he executed. Following that play, the legendary streak came to an end.

LeBron's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances ended this past Thursday, as the league's career points king was limited to eight total points during the Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He provided the decisive pass, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer as time expired.

“Zero,” James said in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

A Selfless Choice Secures the Win

James could have attempted to win the game – and extended the streak – on the final possession, but he chose to pass to his teammate on the wing. Rui connected, prompting James celebrated immediately.

You have to play the game the right way. Always make the smart play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my M.O.. It's how I was instructed the game. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

He is fully cognizant exactly how many points he's scored during a game,” said the team's head coach JJ Redick. He acted like he’s done so many times.”

The Record's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the floor one last time at under five and a half minutes to go, the win and the streak up for grabs. He had a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He scored with 1:46 left to knot the score and missed a 14-footer at one minute to go which could have gotten him to ten points.

He passed up another shot – but could have. Austin Reaves gave James the ball with a few seconds left, however, James decided to dish it off instead.

The basketball deities, if you do it the right way, they often repay you,” Redick added.

The History of a Monumental Run

This incredible run started over eighteen years ago. It was easily the longest such streak the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded at 575.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. The chance was there but given who he is on the court and his personality as an individual, he executed the unselfish play, found Rui and we won the victory.”

Reaching double digits had typically been a guarantee early in the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had reached the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

But two of those unusual games below ten points through three quarters had occurred just days before: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. One game later, it finished – but he still rejoiced anyway.

“I always just make the right play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James declared. If you make the right play, the basketball gods forever rewarding me.”