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James understood his monumental run of scoring in double figures was in danger. In that crucial moment, however, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision meant distributing the rock – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak finished.

LeBron's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances was snapped this past Thursday, as basketball's greatest scorer had only eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against Toronto. He made the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a triple to win the game.

“None,” James said after being questioned about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Play Delivers the Win

James could have attempted to win the contest – while also extending the streak – in the closing seconds, but he chose to make the extra pass to Hachimura on the wing. Rui connected, with LeBron raised his arms triumphantly.

It's about playing the game correctly. You always make the right play,” James remarked. That has always been how I operate. It's how I was taught the game. I've played that way my whole career.”

“LeBron is very conscious of how many points he has during a game,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it just as he has throughout his career.”

The Record's End Game

He returned to the game for the final time with just over five minutes left, the result and the streak on the line. At that stage, he had six points on 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to knot the score but then missed a 14-footer at one minute to go that might have gotten him to double digits.

He avoided taking another shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, but James decided to make the pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you approach it the proper way, they tend to bless you,” Redick stated.

The History of a Staggering Streak

The record commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the most extended double-digit streak the league has ever seen: MJ had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run at 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” said Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

“He’s just playing the sport. He had the opportunity but because of the player he is and his character as a person, he executed the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and we won the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually an afterthought well before the final period. During James’s streak, he had attained the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

However, two of those rare games below ten points after three periods had occurred in the last week: He recorded nine entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, then had six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

James managed to extend the streak against the Suns. In the following contest, it concluded – and he celebrated anyway.

I only ever make the right play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. If you make the unselfish play, the game gods consistently rewarding me.”