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LeBron James was aware his incredible streak of reaching double digits was threatened. In that crucial moment, though, it was not his focus.

The smart move meant distributing the ball – so he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record finished.

James's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances ended this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 victory over Toronto. He made the decisive pass, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot as time expired.

“Zero,” James stated in response on the record concluding. “We won.”

A Selfless Decision Seals Victory

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the game – and extended his record – in the closing seconds, but he chose to pass to his teammate on the wing. Hachimura sank it, and James celebrated immediately.

It's about playing the game the right way. Always make the correct play,” James remarked. That is my philosophy. That’s how I was taught to play. That's what I've done my whole career.”

James is acutely aware of his point total he has at all times,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play like he’s done countless times.”

The Run's End Game

James re-entered the game one last time with 5:23 remaining, the outcome and the streak on the line. His tally was only six points on a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

He got a bucket at 1:46 left to level the contest but then missed a shot with 1:01 left which could have taken him to double digits.

He passed up one more attempt – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him in the waning seconds, however, James chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, when you play it the right way, they often bless you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Staggering Run

This incredible run began over eighteen years ago. It stood as the most extended double-digit streak the league has ever seen: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run with 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” noted Lakers center a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the sport. He had the opportunity but due to who he is on the court and his character as a person, he chose the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and secured the victory.”

Getting to ten points had typically been an afterthought well before the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had reached double figures entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

Yet two such single-digit games through three quarters had occurred recently: He had nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak against the Suns. The very next outing, it finished – and he celebrated anyway.

“I always just make the right play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. If you make the right play, the game gods consistently giving back to me.”